Phenanthroline derivatives

ABSTRACT

The present invention provides a phenanthroline derivative of formula (I)  
                 
 
     wherein, for example, R 1  is hydrogen, carboxy, cyano, nitro, (1-4C)alkyl, (1-6C)alkoxycarbonyl, (1-4C)alkylamino, (2-4C)alkanoyl, (1-4C)alkoxy-(2-4C)alkoxy-(2-4C)alkoxycarbonyl or N-[amino-(2-8C)alkyl]carbamoyl;  
     R 2  is, for example, hydrogen, carboxy, (1-6C)alkoxycarbonyl, carbamoyl, N-(1-8C)alkylcarbamoyl, N,N-di-(1-8C)alkylcarbamoyl, N-(1-4C)alkylcyclohexylcarbamoyl, 1,2,3,4-tetrahydro-isoquinolin-2-ylcarbonyl or N,N-[di-(l -4C)alkyl]thiocarbamoyl;  
     R 3  and R 4 , which may be the same or different, are, for example, hydrogen or halo; and  
     R 5  is, for example, hydrogen, di-(1-4C)alkylamino or halo; or a pharmaceutically-acceptable salt thereof.  
     The invention further provides pharmaceutical compositions comprising phenanthroline derivatives, processes for making the same and their use in producing an anti-fibroproliferative effect.

1. This application is a continuation-in-part of U.S. Ser. No. 09/179,542 filed Oct. 26, 1998, which is a continuation-in-part of U.S. Ser. No. 08/957,450 filed on Oct. 24, 1997.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

2. The present invention relates to phenanthroline derivatives which inhibit the enzyme prolyl 4-hydroxylase, processes for preparing these compounds and pharmaceutical compositions thereof. The present invention also relates to the therapeutical use of such compounds. More specifically, the present invention relates to the use of the phenanthroline derivatives in disorders that are related to the proliferation of fibrotic disorders and/or wherein the regeneration of normal cells, in contrast to fibrotic cells, are indicated.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

3. There are many disorders known wherein the proliferation of fibrotic tissue is a characteristic feature. Examples of such disorders include, for example, rheumatoid arthritis, chronic arthritis, osteoarthritis, hepatic fibrosis, hepatic cirrhosis, pulmonary fibrosis, renal fibrosis, cardiac fibrosis, arteriosclerosis tumour-associated fibrosis and the formation of scar tissue following injury or surgery. Additional examples include disorders related to the over proliferation of connective tissue in such areas systems as the central nervous system. Thus, a therapeutic agent which possesses anti-fibrotic properties may be of value in the treatment of one or more of these disorders.

4. It is known that the enzyme prolyl 4-hydroxylase is involved in the hydroxylation of proline residues in collagenous protein, and that 4-hydroxyproline residues are essential for the formation of the characteristic triple helical form of collagen which is secreted into fibrotic tissue. Consequently, a compound which inhibits the activity of prolyl 4-hydroxylase may be of potential value in the treatment of fibroproliferative disease, which is characterized by excessive collagen production.

5. Various chemical compounds have been reported to inhibit prolyl 4-hydroxylase; for example, 2,2′-dipyridyl (W. Muller et al., FEBS Letters, 90:218 (1978)), pyridine-2,4-dicarboxylic acid (K. Majamaa et al., Eur. J. Biochem., 138:239 (1984)), pyridine-2,4-dicarboxlic acid derivatives and pyridine-2,5-dicarboxylic acid deivatives (European Patent Application Nos. 278452, 278453, 278454 and 281943) and heterocyclic carbonylglycines (T. J. Franklin et al., Biochem. Soc. Trans., 19:812-815 (1991)). However, to the extent that these compounds have not been tested in in vivo systems, whether these compounds may be useful in modulating collagen production or permitting the regeneration of cells whose growth or propagation are otherwise inhibited by the presence of collagen overproduction has not been previously determined.

6. Despite previous efforts, a need exists for safe and effective means for the treatment of fibroproliferative diseases and disorders.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

7. The present invention provides certain phenanthroline derivatives useful for inhibiting prolyl 4-hydroxylase.

8. Specifically, the present invention provides phenanthroline derivatives of formula (I)

9. wherein

10. R¹ is hydrogen, carboxy or an ester derivative thereof, cyano, halo, nitro, amino, (1-4C)alkyl, (1-4C)alkylamino, di-(1-4C)alkylamino, (1-6C)alkoxycarbonyl, (2-4C)alkanoyl, hydroxy-(1-4C)alkyl, carbamoyl, N-(1-4C)alkylcarbamoyl, (1-4C)alkylthio, (1-4C)alkylsulfinyl, (1-4C)alkylsulfonyl, phenylthio, phenylsulfinyl, phenylsulfonyl, fluoro-(1-4C)alkylthio, fluoro-(1-4C)alkylsulfinyl, fluoro-(1-4C)alkylsulfonyl, (1-4C)alkoxy-(2-4C)alkoxycarbonyl, N,N-di-[(1-4C)alkyl]carbamoyl-(1-4C)alkoxycarbonyl, (1-4C)alkylamino-(2-4C)alkoxycarbonyl, di-(1-4C)alkylamino-(2-4C)alkoxycarbonyl, (1-4C)alkoxy-(2-4C)alkoxy-(2-4C)alkoxycarbonyl, (2-4C)alkanoyloxy-(1-4C)alkyl or N-[amino-(2-8C)alkyl]carbamoyl;

11. R² is hydrogen, hydroxy, amino, cyano, halo, (1-4C)alkyl, carboxy or an ester derivative thereof, (1-4C)alkylamino, di-(1-4C)alkylamino, (1-6C)alkoxycarbonyl, (2-4C)alkanoyl, (1-4C)alkoxy, carboxy-(1-4C)alkoxy, (1-4C)alkoxycarbonyl-(1-4C)alkoxy, carbamoyl, N-(1-8C)alkylcarbamoyl, N,N-di-(1-8C)alkylcarbamoyl, N-[amino-(2-8C)alkyl)carbamoyl, N-[(1-4C)alkylamino-(1-8C)alkyl]carbamoyl, N-[di-(1-4C)alkylamino-(1-8C)alkyl]carbamoyl, N-cyclohexylcarbamoyl, N-[cyclopentyl]carbamoyl, N-phenylcarbamoyl, N-(1-4C)alkylcyclohexylcarbamoyl, N-(1-4C)alkylcyclopentylcarbamoyl, N-(1-4C)alkyl-N-phenylcarbamoyl, N,N-diphenylcarbamoyl, N-[phenyl-(1-4C)alkyl]carbamoyl, N-(1-4C)alkyl-N-[phenyl-(1-4C)alkyl)carbamoyl, N,N-di-[phenyl-(1-4C)alkyl)carbamoyl, N-[(2-4C)alkanoyl]carbamoyl, N-[(1-4C)alkoxycarbonyl]carbamoyl, N-[fluoro-(2-6C)alkylcarbamoyl, N-[fluoro-(2-6C)alkyl]-N-(1-4C)alkylcarbamoyl, N,N-[di-fluoro-(2-6C)alkyl]carbamoyl, pyrrolidin-1-ylcarbonyl, piperidinocarbonyl, piperazin-1-ylcarbonyl, morpholinocarbonyl, 1,2,3,4-tetrahydro-isoquinolin-2-ylcarbonyl, N,N-[di-(1-4C)alkyl]thiocarbamoyl, N-(2-4C)alkanoylamino or N-[(1-4)alkoxycarbonyl]amino;

12. R³ and R⁴, which may be the same or different, are hydrogen, (1-4C)alkyl, (2-4C)alkoxy, halo, nitro, hydroxy, fluoro-(1-4C)alkyl or pyridinyl;

13. or R⁴ is methoxy; and

14. R⁵ is hydrogen, hydroxy, amino, (1-4C)alkylamino, di-(1-4C)alkylamino, halo, (1-4C)alkoxy-(2-4C)alkoxy, fluoro-(1-6C)alkoxy, pyrrolidin-1-yl, piperidino, piperazin-1-yl or morpholino;

15. or a pharmaceutically-acceptable salt thereof.

16. As a further feature R¹ may additionally include morpholino-(2-4C)alkoxycarbonyl and R³ may additionally include methoxy.

17. It will be understood that the phenyl groups in the afore-mentioned substituents are optionally substituted with one to four substituents selected from halo, (1-4C)alkoxy, (1-4C)alkyl, cyano, hydroxy and trifluoromethyl. It will also be understood that the heterocyclic groups pyrrolidin-1-yl, piperidino, piperazin-1-yl and morpholino in the afore-mentioned substituents are optionally substituted in any vacant position with one to four substituents selected from (1-4C)alkyl and benzyl.

18. As used herein, the “ester derivatives” preferably includes metabolically labile ester derivatives.

19. As used herein, the term “alkyl” includes both straight and branched chain groups. However, reference to individual groups such as propyl are specific for the straight chain version only. The term “(1-4C)alkyl” includes, for example, methyl, ethyl, propyl, iso-propyl, butyl, iso-butyl, sec-butyl and tert-butyl.

20. As used herein, the term “halo” includes, for example, fluoro, chloro, bromo and iodo.

21. The term (1-4C)alkylamino includes methylamino, ethylamino and propyl amino.

22. The term di-[(1-4C)alkyl]amino includes dimethylamino, N-ethyl-N-methyl amino, diethylamino, N-methyl-N-propylamino and dipropyl amino.

23. The term (2-4C)alkanoyl includes acetyl, propionyl and butyryl.

24. The term (1-6C)alkoxycarbonyl includes methoxycarbonyl, ethoxycarbonyl, propoxycarbonyl, tert-butoxycarbonyl and pentoxycarbonyl.

25. The term N-[amino-(2-8C)alkyl]carbamoyl includes N-(3-aminopropyl)carbamoyl, N-(6-aminohexyl)carbamoyl and N-(8-aminooctyl)carbamoyl.

26. The term (1-4C)alkoxy includes methoxy, ethoxy, propoxy, isopropoxy, butoxy, isobutoxy, sec-butoxy and tert-butoxy.

27. The term hydroxy-(1-4C)alkyl includes hydroxymethyl, 1-hydroxyethyl, 2-hydroxyethyl and 3-hydroxypropyl.

28. The term (1-4C)alkylthio includes methylthio, ethylthio and propylthio.

29. The term (1-4C)alkylsulfinyl includes methylsulfinyl, ethylsulfinyl and propylsulfinyl.

30. The term (1-4C)alkylsulfonyl includes methylsulfonyl, ethylsulfonyl and propylsulfonyl.

31. The term fluoro-(1-4C)alkylthio includes trifluoromethylthio, 2,2,2-trifluoroethylthio and 3,3,3-trifluoropropylthio.

32. The term fluoro-(1-4C)alkylsulfinyl includes trifluoromethylsulfinyl, 2,2,2-trifluoroethylsulfinyl and 3,3,3-trifluoropropylsulfinyl.

33. The term fluoro-(1-4C)alkylsulfonyl includes trifluoromethylsulfonyl, 2,2,2-trifluoroethylsulfonyl and 3,3,3-trifluoropropylsulfonyl.

34. The term (1-4C)alkoxy-(2-4C)alkoxycarbonyl includes 2-methoxyethoxycarbonyl, 2-ethoxyethoxycarbonyl and 3-methoxypropoxycarbonyl.

35. The term N-(1-4C)alkylcarbamoyl includes N-methylcarbamoyl, N-ethylcarbamoyl and N-butylcarbamoyl.

36. The term N,N-di-[(1-4C)alkyl]carbamoyl-(1-4C)alkoxycarbonyl includes N,N-dimethylcarbamoylmethoxycarbonyl, N,N-diethylcarbamoylmethoxycarbonyl, 2-(N,N-dimethylcarbamoyl)-ethoxycarbonyl, 2-(N,N-diethylcarbamoyl)-ethoxycarbonyl and 3-(N,N-dimethylcarbamoyl)-propoxycarbonyl.

37. The term (1-4C)alkylamino-(2-4C)alkoxycarbonyl includes 2-(methylamino) ethoxycarbonyl, 2-(ethylamino)ethoxycarbonyl and 3-(methylamino)propylcarbonyl.

38. The term di-(1-4C)alkylamino-(2-4C)alkoxycarbonyl includes 2- (dimethylamino)ethoxycarbonyl, 2-(diethylamino)ethoxycarbonyl, 2-(N-ethyl N- methylamino)ethoxycarbonyl and 3-(dimethylamino)propoxycarbonyl.

39. The term (1-4C)alkoxy-(2-4C)alkoxy-(2-4C)alkoxycarbonyl includes 2-(2- methoxyethoxy)ethoxycarbonyl, 2-(2-ethoxyethoxy)ethoxycarbonyl and 3-(2- methoxyethoxy)propoxycarbonyl.

40. The term (2-4)alkanoyloxy-(1-4C)alkyl includes acetoxymethyl, propionyloxymethyl, butyryloxymethyl, 2-acetoxyethyl and 3-acetoxypropyl.

41. The term (2-4C)alkoxy includes ethoxy, propoxy, iso-propoxy, butoxy, iso-butoxy, sec-butoxy and tert-butoxy.

42. The term carboxy-(1-4C)alkoxy includes carboxymethoxy, 2-carboxyethoxy and 3-carboxypropoxy.

43. The term (1-4C)alkoxycarbonyl-(1-4C)alkoxy includes methoxycarbonylmethoxy, 2-(methoxycarbonyl)ethoxy and 2-(ethoxycarbonyl)ethoxy

44. The term N-(1-8C)alkylcarbamoyl includes N-methylcarbamoyl, N-ethylcarbamoyl, N-butylcarbamoyl, N-hexylcarbamoyl and N-octylcarbamoyl.

45. The term N,N-di-(1-8C)alkylcarbamoyl includes N,N-dimethylcarbamoyl, N,N-diethylcarbamoyl, N,N-di-sec-butylcarbamoyl, N,N-dibutylcarbamoyl, N-methyl-N-butylcarbamoyl, N-methyl-N-hexylcarbamoyl, N-methyl-N-ethyl carbamoyl, N-ethyl-N-butylcarbamoyl, N-ethyl-N-pentylcarbamoyl, N-ethyl-N-propylcarbamoyl and N-ethyl-N-isopropylcarbamoyl.

46. The term N-(1-4C)alkylamino-(1-8C)alkyl]carbamoyl includes N-[methylaminomethyl]carbamoyl, N-[ethylaminomethyl]carbamoyl, N-[2-methylaminoethyl]carbamoyl, N-[3-methylaminopropyl]carbamoyl, N-[6-methylaminohexyl]carbamoyl and N-[8-methylaminooctyl]carbamoyl.

47. The term N-[di-(1-4C)alkylamino(1-8C)alkyl]carbamoyl includes N-[dimethylaminomethyl]carbamoyl, N-[diethylaminomethyl]carbamoyl, N-[N-methyl-N-ethylaminomethyl]carbamoyl, N-[2-dimethylaminoethyl]carbamoyl, N-[6-dimethylaminohexyl]carbamoyl and N-[8-dimethylaminooctyl]carbamoyl.

48. The term N-(1-4C)alkyl-N-cyclohexylcarbamoyl includes N-methyl-N-cyclohexylcarbamoyl, N-ethyl-N-cyclohexylcarbamoyl and N-propyl-N-cyclohexylcarbamoyl.

49. The term N-(1-4C)alkyl-N-cyclopentylcarbamoyl includes N-methyl-N-cyclopentylcarbamoyl, N-ethyl-N-cyclopentylcarbamoyl and N-propyl-N-cyclopentylcarbamoyl.

50. The term N-(1-4C)alkyl-N-phenylcarbamoyl incudes N-methyl -N-phenylcarbamoyl, N-ethyl-N-phenylcarbamoyl and N-propyl-N-phenylcarbamoyl.

51. The term N-[phenyl-(1-4C)alkyl]carbamoyl includes N-benzylcarbamoyl, N-(2-phenylethyl)carbamoyl and N-(3-phenylpropyl)carbamoyl.

52. The term N-(1-4C)alkyl-N-[phenyl-(1-4C)alkyl]carbamoyl includes N-methyl-N-benzylcarbamoyl, N-ethyl-N-benzylcarbamoyl, N-isopropyl-N-benzylcarbamoyl, N-methyl-N-(2-phenylethyl)carbamoyl, N-ethyl-N-(2-phenylethyl)carbamoyl and N-methyl-N-(3-phenylpropyl)carbamoyl.

53. The term N,N-di-[phenyl-(1-4)alkyl]carbamoyl includes N,N-dibenzylcarbamoyl, N,N-di-(2-phenylethyl)carbamoyl and N,N-di-(3-phenylpropyl)carbamoyl.

54. The term N-[(2-4C)alkanoyl]carbamoyl includes N-acetylcarbamoyl, N-propionylcarbamoyl and N-butyrylcarbamoyl.

55. The term N-(1-4C)alkoxycarbonyl]carbamoyl includes N-methoxycarbonylcarbamoyl, N-ethoxycarbonylcarbamoyl and N-propoxycarbonylcarbamoyl.

56. The term N-[fluoro-(2-6C)alkyl]carbamoyl includes N-[2,2,2-trifluoroethyl]carbamoyl, N-[2,2,3,3,4,4,4-heptafluorobutyl]carbamoyl and N-[4,4,5,5,5-pentafluoropentyl]carbamoyl.

57. The term N-[fluoro-(2-6C)alkyl]-N-(1-4C)alkylcarbamoyl includes N-[2,2,2-trifluoroethyl]-N-ethylcarbamoyl, N-[2,2,3,3,4,4,4-heptafluorobutyl]-N-methylcarbamoyl and N-[4,4,5,5,5-pentafluoropentyl]-N-methylcarbamoyl.

58. The term N,N-[di-fluoro-(2-6C)alkyl]carbamoyl includes N,N-di-[2,2,3,3,4,4,4-heptafluorobutyl]carbamoyl and N,N-di-[4,4,5,5,5-pentafluoropentyl]carbamoyl.

59. The term N,N-[di-(1-4C)alkyl]thiocarbamoyl includes N,N-dimethylthiocarbamoyl, N,N-diethylthiocarbamoyl and N-methyl-N-ethylthiocarbamoyl.

60. The term N-(2-4C)alkanoylamino includes N-acetylamino-N-propionylamino and N-butyrylamino.

61. The term N-[(1-4C)alkoxycarbonyl]amino includes N-methoxycarbonylamino, N-ethoxycarbonylamino, N-propoxycarbonylamino and N-tert-butoxycarbonylamino.

62. The term fluoro-(1-4C)alkyl includes trifluoromethyl, 2,2,2-trifluoroethyl and 2,2,3,3,4,4,4-heptafluorobutyl.

63. The term pyridinyl includes pyridin-3-yl and pyridin-4-yl.

64. The term (1-4C)alkoxy-(2-4C)alkoxy includes 2-methoxyethoxy, 2-ethoxyethoxy and 3-methoxypropoxy.

65. The term fluoro-(1-6C)alkoxy includes 2,2,2-trifluoroethoxy, 4,4,5,5,5-pentafluoropentoxy and 2,2,3,3,4,4,4-heptafluorobutoxy.

66. The term morpholino-(2-4C)alkoxycarbonyl includes morpholinoethoxycarbonyl.

67. Particular novel compounds of the invention include, for example, phenanthroline derivatives of the formula (I), or pharmaceutically-acceptable salts thereof, or a metabolically labile ester derivative of substituents R¹ and R² when either, or both, is a carboxy group, as defined in paragraphs (a) to (m) hereinafter and wherein, unless otherwise stated, each of R¹, R², R³, R⁴ and R⁵ have any of the meanings defined hereinbefore or in this section concerning particular compounds of the invention:

68. (a) R¹ is hydrogen, carboxy, cyano, nitro, amino, (1-4C)alkyl, (1-4C)alkylamino, di-(1-4C)alkylamino, (1-6C)alkoxycarbonyl, (1-4C)alkylthio, (1-4C)alkylsulfinyl, (1-4C)alkylsulfonyl, phenylthio, phenylsulfinyl, phenylsulfonyl, fluoro-(1-4C)alkylsulfinyl, fluoro-(1-4C)alkylsulfonyl, (1-4C)alkoxy-(2-4C)alkoxycarbonyl, N,N-di-[(1-4C)alkyl]carbamoyl-(1-4C)alkoxycarbonyl, (1-4C)alkylamino-(2-4C)alkoxycarbonyl, di-(1-4C)alkylamino-(2-4C)alkoxycarbonyl, (1-4C)alkoxy-(2-4C)alkoxy-(2-4C)alkoxycarbonyl, (2-4C)alkanoyloxy-(1-4C)alkyl or N-[amino-(2-8C)alkyl]carbamoyl;

69. (b) R¹ is hydrogen, carboxy, cyano, halo, nitro, amino, (1-6C)alkoxycarbonyl, (2-4C)alkanoyl, hydroxy-(1-4C)alkyl, (1-4C)alkylsulfonyl, phenylsulfonyl, N-[amino-(2-8C)alkyl]carbamoyl, fluoro-(1-4C)alkylsulfonyl, (1-4C)alkoxy-(2-4C)alkoxycarbonyl, N,N-di-[(1-4C)alkyl]carbamoyl-(1-4C)alkoxycarbonyl, (1-4C)alkoxy-(2-4C)alkoxy-(2-4C)alkoxycarbonyl or (2-4C)alkanoyloxy-(1-4C)alkyl;

70. (c) R¹ is carboxy, cyano, nitro, (1-6C)alkoxycarbonyl, (2-4C)alkanoyl, fluoro-(1-4C)alkylsulfonyl or (1-4C)alkoxy-(2-4C)alkoxy-(2-4C)alkoxycarbonyl;

71. (d) R² is hydrogen, hydroxy, amino, cyano, carboxy, (1-6C)alkoxycarbonyl, (2-4C)alkanoyl, (1-4C)alkoxy, carboxy-(1-4C)alkoxy, carbamoyl, N-[amino-(2-8C)alkyl]-carbamoyl, N,N-di-(1-8C)alkylcarbamoyl, N-(1-4C)alkyl-N-cyclohexylcarbamoyl, N-phenylcarbamoyl, N-(1-4C)alkyl-N-phenylcarbamoyl, N-[phenyl-(1-4C)alkyl]carbamoyl, N-(1-4C)alkyl-N-[phenyl-(1-4C)alkyl]carbamoyl, N,N-di-[phenyl-(1-4C)alkyl]carbamoyl, N-[(2-4C)alkanoyl]carbamoyl, N-[fluoro-(2-6C)alkyl]carbamoyl, N-[fluoro-(2-6C)alkyl)-N-(1-4C)alkylcarbamoyl, pyrrolidin-1-ylcarbonyl, piperidinocarbonyl, piperazin-1-ylcarbonyl, 1,2,3,4-tetrahydroisoquinolin-2-ylcarbonyl, N-(2-4C)alkanoylamino, N-[di-(1-4C)alkoxycarbonyl]amino or N,N-[di-(1-4C)alkyl]thiocarbamoyl;

72. (e) R² is hydrogen, carboxy, (1-6C)alkoxycarbonyl, carbamoyl, N,N-di-(1-8C)alkylcarbamoyl, N-phenylcarbamoyl, N-(1-4C)alkyl-N-[phenyl-(1-4C)alkyl]carbamoyl, N-[fluoro-(2-6C)alkyl)carbamoyl, 1,2,3,4-tetrahydro-isoquinolin-2-ylcarbonyl, piperazin-1-ylcarbonyl or N,N- [di-(1-4C)alkyl]thiocarbamoyl;

73. (f) R² is hydrogen, hydroxy, carboxy, carboxy-(1-4C)alkoxy, carbamoyl, N-(1-8C)alkylcarbamoyl, N,N-di-(1-8C)alkylcarbamoyl, N-[amino-(2-8C)alkyl)carbamoyl, N-[(1-4C)alkylamino-(1-8C)alkyl)carbamoyl, N-[di- (1-4C)alkylamino-(1-8C)alkyl)carbamoyl, N-[(2-4C)alkanoyl]carbamoyl, piperazin-1-ylcarbonyl, morpholinocarbonyl, N-(2-4C)alkanoylamino or N-[(1-4C)alkoxycarbonyl]amino;

74. (g) R³ and R⁴, which may be the same or different, are hydrogen, (1-4C)alkyl, halo, pyridinyl, fluoro-(1-4C)alkyl, nitro or hydroxy;

75. (h) R³ and R⁴, which may be the same or different, are hydrogen, (1-4C)alkyl, halo or pyridinyl;

76. (i) R³ and R⁴, which may be the same or different, are hydrogen, halo or nitro;

77. (j) R³ is hydroxy;

78. (k) R⁵ is hydrogen, hydroxy, pyrrolidin-1-yl, di-(1-4C)alkylamino, (1-4C)alkylamino, halo, (1-4C)alkoxy-(2-4C)alkoxy or fluoro-(1-6C)alkoxy;

79. (l) R⁵ is hydrogen, di-(1-4C)alkylamino or halo; and

80. (m) R⁵ is hydrogen, hydroxy or piperazin-1-yl;

81. The phenyl groups in the afore-mentioned substituents in paragraphs (a), (b), (d) and (e) above are optionally substituted with one or two substituents selected from (1-4C)alkoxy, halo, hydroxy and trifluoromethyl; and the pyrrolidin-1-yl, piperidino and piperazin-1-yl groups in the aforementioned substituents in paragraphs (d), (e), (f) and (k) above are optionally substituted with one or two substituents selected from (1-4C)alkyl and benzyl.

82. It will be understood that the following compounds are excluded from the scope of compounds of formula (I): 3-carboxy-5,6-dihydroxy-4-oxo-3,4-dihydro-1,10-phenanthroline; 3-ethoxycarbonyl-4-oxo-3,4-dihydro-1,10-phenanthroline; 3, 8-diethoxycarbonyl-7-hydroxy-4-oxo-3,4-dihydro-1,10-phenanthroline; 3,8-dicarboxy-7-hydroxy-4-oxo-3,4-dihydro-1,10-phenanthroline; 3,8-diethoxycarbonyl-7-hydroxy-5-methyl-4-oxo-3,4-dihydro-1,10-phenanthroline; 3,8-dicarboxy-7-hydroxy-5-methyl-4-oxo-3,4-dihydro-1,10-phenanthroline; 5-butyl-3,8-dimethoxycarbonyl-7-hydroxy-4-oxo-3,4-dihydro-1,10-phenanthroline; 3-ethoxycarbonyl-6-fluoro-4-oxo-3,4-dihydro-1,10-phenanthroline; 7-hydroxy-4-oxo-3,4-dihydro-1,10-phenanthroline; 7-hydroxy-4-oxo-3,4-dihydro-1,10-phenanthroline hydrochloride; 4-oxo-3,4-dihydro-1,10-phenanthroline; 7-dimethylamino-4-oxo-3,4-dihydro-1,10-phenanthroline; 3-carboxy-4-oxo-3,4-dihydro-1,10-phenanthroline (Compound 12); and 5-hydroxy-4-oxo-3,4-dihydro-1,10-phenanthroline. Preferably, the following additional compounds are excluded from the scope of compounds of formula (I): 3-carboxy-5-methyl-4-oxo-3,4-dihydro-1,10-phenanthroline; 5-chloro-3-carboxy-4-oxo-3,4-dihydro-1,10-phenanthroline (Compound 2); 3-carboxy-8-hydroxy-4-oxo-3,4-dihydro-1,10-phenanthroline (Compound 7); 3-carboxy-6-chloro-4-oxo-3,4-dihydro-1,10-phenanthroline (Compound 9); and 3-carboxy-5-methoxy-4-oxo-3,4-dihydro-1,10-phenanthroline (Compound 15).

83. Thus, compounds per se preferably not within the scope of the claimed invention include compounds of formula (I) where

84. R¹, R², R³, R⁴ and R⁵ are not together H;

85. where R¹ is carboxy and R³ and R⁴ are hydroxy; R² and R⁵ are not together H;

86. where R¹ is carboxy, R² is H or OH, R³ is H and R⁵ is H; R⁴ is not H, OH alkoxy, alkyl or halo;

87. where R¹ is carboxy, R² is H or OH, R⁴ is H and R⁵ is H; R³ is not H, OH alkoxy, alkyl or halo;

88. where R¹ is ethoxycarbonyl; R², R³, R⁴ and R⁵ are not together H;

89. where R¹ is ethoxycarbonyl and R⁴ is F; R², R³ and R⁵ are not together H

90. where R¹ is carboxy and R³ is H or alkyl; R², R⁴ and R⁵ are not together H;

91. where R³ is OH; R¹, R², R⁴ and R⁵ are not together H;

92. where R⁵ is OH, R³ is H or alkyl, and R⁴ is H; R¹ and R² are not together ethoxycarbonyl, carboxy, methoxycarbonyl or H; and

93. where R⁵ is —N(CH₃)₂; R¹, R², R³ and R⁴ are not together H.

94. A preferred compound of the invention comprises a phenanthroline derivative of the formula (I), or a pharmaceutically-acceptable salt thereof, or a metabolically labile ester derivative of substituents R¹ and R² when either, or both, is a carboxy group, wherein

95. R¹ is hydrogen, carboxy, cyano, nitro, amino, bromo, methoxycarbonyl, ethoxycarbonyl, acetyl, 2,2,2-trifluoroethylsulfonyl, 2-[2-methoxyethoxy]ethoxycarbonyl, 1-hydroxyethyl, carbamoyl, methylsulfonyl, phenylsulfonyl, N-(6-aminohexyl)carbamoyl, 2-methoxyethoxycarbonyl, N,N-diethylcarbamoylmethoxycarbonyl or propionyloxymethyl;

96. R² is hydrogen, hydroxy, amino, cyano, carboxy, methoxycarbonyl, ethoxycarbonyl, acetyl, carbamoyl, methoxy, carboxymethoxy, N-(6-aminohexyl)carbamoyl, N-ethyl-N-butylcarbamoyl, N,Ndiethylcarbamoyl, N-N di-sec-butylcarbamoyl, N-methyl-N-butylcarbamoyl, N-methyl-N-hexylcarbamoyl, N-ethyl-N-propylcarbamoyl, N-ethyl-N-isopropylcarbamoyl, N-ethyl-N-pentylcarbamoyl, N-ethyl-N-cyclohexylcarbamoyl, N-phenylcarbamoyl, N-methyl-N-phenylcarbamoyl, N-(2-phenylethyl)carbamoyl, N-methyl-N-benzylcarbamoyl, N-methyl-N-(2-phenylethyl)carbamoyl, N-isopropyl-N-benzylcarbamoyl, N-ethyl-N-benzylcarbamoyl, N,N-dibenzylcarbamoyl, N-[2,2,3,3,4,4,4-heptafluorobutyl]carbamoyl, N-[2,2,3,3,4,4,4-heptafluorobutyl]-N-methylcarbamoyl, N-[4,4,5,5,5-pentafluoropentyl]-N-methylcarbamoyl, 1,2,3,4-tetrahydro-isoquinolin-2-ylcarbonyl, pyrrolidin-1-ylcarbonyl, piperidinocarbonyl, piperazin-1-ylcarbonyl, N,N-diethylthiocarbamoyl, N-acetylamino or N-tert-butoxycarbonylamino;

97. R³ and R⁴, which may be the same or different, are hydrogen, fluoro, chloro, bromo, nitro, hydroxy, pyridin-4-yl, trifluoromethyl or methyl; and

98. R⁵ is hydrogen, dimethylamino, diethylamino, chloro, bromo, hydroxy, pyrrolidin-1-yl, methylamino, 2-methoxyethoxy, 2,2,2-trifluoroethoxy or 4,4,5,5,5-pentafluoropentoxy;

99. wherein any phenyl group contained in the afore-mentioned R¹ and R² substituents are optionally substituted with one or two substituents selected from ethoxy, fluoro and trifluoromethyl; and

100. any pyrrolidin-1-yl, piperidino or piperazin-1-yl group contained in the afore-mentioned R² substituents are optionally substituted with one methyl or benzyl substituent in any vacant position.

101. A further preferred compound of the invention comprises a phenanthroline derivative of the formula (I), or a pharmaceutically-acceptable salt thereof, or a metabolically labile ester derivative of substituents R¹ and R² when either, or both, is a carboxy group, wherein

102. R¹ is hydrogen, carboxy, cyano, nitro, methyl, ethyl, methoxycarbonyl, ethoxycarbonyl, methylamino, ethylamino, dimethylamino, 2,2,2-trifluoroethylsulfonyl, 2,2,2-trifluoroethylsulfinyl, phenylsulfinyl, phenylsulfonyl, phenylthio, methylthio, methylsulfinyl, methylsulfonyl, 2-[2-methoxyethoxy]ethoxycarbonyl, N-(6-aminohexyl)carbamoyl, 2-methoxyethoxycarbonyl, 2-(methylamino)ethoxycarbonyl, 2-(dimethylamino)ethoxycarbonyl, N,N-diethylcarbamoylmethoxycarbonyl or propionyloxymethyl;

103. R² is hydrogen, hydroxy, carboxy, carbamoyl, carboxymethoxy, N-(6-aminohexyl) carbamoyl, N-ethylcarbamoyl, N-ethyl-N-butylcarbamoyl, N-butylcarbamoyl, N,N-diethylcarbamoyl, N,N-di-sec-butylcarbamoyl, N-methyl-N-butylcarbamoyl, N-methyl-N-hexylcarbamoyl, N-ethyl-N-propylcarbamoyl, N-ethyl-N-isopropylcarbamoyl, N-ethyl-N-pentylcarbamoyl, piperazin-1-ylcarbonyl, N-[methylaminomethyl]carbamoyl, N-[dimethylaminomethyl]carbamoyl, N-acetylcarbamoyl, morpholinocarbonyl, N-acetylamino or N-tert-butoxycarbonylamino;

104. R³ and R⁴, which may be the same or different, are hydrogen, fluoro, chloro, bromo, methyl or pyridin-4-yl; or R³ is hydroxy; and

105. R⁵ is hydrogen, hydroxy or piperazin-1-yl;

106. wherein any phenyl group contained in the afore-mentioned R¹ and R² substituents are optionally substituted with one or two substituents selected from ethoxy, fluoro and trifluoromethyl; and

107. any piperazin-1-yl group contained in the afore-mentioned R² substituents is optionally substituted with one methyl or benzyl substituent in any vacant position.

108. A further preferred compound of the invention comprises a phenanthroline derivative of the formula (I), or a pharmaceutically-acceptable salt thereof, or a metabolically labile ester derivative of substituents R¹ and R² when either, or both, is a carboxy group, wherein

109. R¹ is carboxy, cyano, nitro, ethoxycarbonyl, acetyl, 2,2,2-trifluoroethylsulfonyl or 2-[2-methoxyethoxy]ethoxycarbonyl;

110. R² is hydrogen, carboxy, ethoxycarbonyl, carbamoyl, N-ethyl-N-butylcarbamoyl, N-(4-ethoxyphenyl)carbamoyl, N-methyl-N-benzylcarbamoyl, N-methyl-N-4-fluorobenzylcarbamoyl, N-[2,2,3,3,4,4,4-heptafluorobutyl]carbamoyl, 1,2,3,4-tetrahydroisoquinolin-2-ylcarbonyl, 4-benzylpiperazin-1-ylcarbonyl or N,N-diethylthiocarbamoyl;

111. R³ and R⁴, which may be the same or different, are hydrogen, fluoro or nitro; and

112. R⁵ is hydrogen, dimethylamino or chloro.

113. Further preferred compounds of the invention include, for example, the following phenanthroline derivatives of the formula (I):

114. 3-cyano-4-oxo-3,4-dihydro-1,10-phenanthroline (Compound 1);

115. 3-carboxy-8-(N-methyl-N-{2,4-difluorobenzyl}carbamoyl)-4-oxo-3,4-dihydro-1,10-phenanthroline (Compound 3);

116. 3-cyano-8-(N-benzyl-N-methylcarbamoyl)-4-oxo-3,4-dihydro-1,10-phenanthroline (Compound 4);

117. 3-carboxy-8-(N-benzyl-N-methylcarbamoyl)-5-methyl-4-oxo-3,4-dihydro-1,10-phenanthroline (Compound 5);

118. 3-nitro-8-(N-ethyl-N-propylcarbamoyl)-4-oxo-3,4-dihydro-1,10-phenanthroline (Compound 6);

119. 3,8-dicarboxy-4-oxo-3,4-dihydro-1,10-phenanthroline;

120. 8-carboxy-4-oxo-3,4-dihydro-1,10-phenanthroline;

121. 3-nitro-4-oxo-3,4-dihydro-1,10-phenanthroline;

122. 3-cyano-5-hydroxy-4-oxo-3,4-dihydro-1,10-phenanthroline;

123. 5-chloro-3-cyano-4-oxo-3,4-dihydro-1,10-phenanthroline;

124. 5-chloro-3-ethoxycarbonyl-4-oxo-3,4-dihydro-1,10-phenanthroline;

125. 3-acetyl-8-carboxy-7-hydroxy-4-oxo-3,4-dihydro-1,10-phenanthroline;

126. 3,8-diacetyl-7-hydroxy-4-oxo-3,4-dihydro-1,10-phenanthroline;

127. 3-carboxy-8-(N-benzyl-N-methylcarbamoyl)-4-oxo-3,4-dihydro-1,10-phenanthroline;

128. 3-carboxy-8-(4-methylpiperidinocarbonyl)-4-oxo-3,4-dihydro-1,10-phenanthroline;

129. 3-carboxy-8-(N-benzyl-N-methylcarbamoyl)-5-fluoro-4-oxo-3,4-dihydro-1,10-phenanthroline;

130. 8-acetyl-3-carboxy-4-oxo-3,4-dihydro-1,10-phenanthroline;

131. 3-carboxy-8-(N-methyl-N-{2-phenylethyl}carbamoyl)-4-oxo-3,4-dihydro-1,10-phenanthroline;

132. 3-carboxy-8-(N-benzyl-N-isopropylcarbamoyl)-4-oxo-3,4-dihydro-1,10-phenanthroline;

133. 3-carboxy-8-(N-benzyl-N-methylcarbamoyl)-7-hydroxy-4-oxo-3,4-dihydro-1,10-phenanthroline;

134. 3-carboxy-8-(N-methyl-N-{4-fluorobenzyl}carbamoyl)-4-oxo-3,4-dihydro-1,10-phenanthroline;

135. 3-carboxy-8-(N,N-diethylcarbamoyl)-4-oxo-3,4-dihydro-1,10-phenanthroline;

136. 8-(N-benzyl-N-methylcarbamoyl)-5-fluoro-3-nitro-4-oxo-3,4-dihydro-1,10-phenanthroline;

137. 8-(N-benzyl-N-methylcarbamoyl)-3 ,6-dinitro-5-methyl-4-oxo-3,4-dihydro-1,10-phenanthroline;

138. 8-ethoxycarbonyl-3-nitro-4-oxo-3,4-dihydro-1,10-phenanthroline;

139. 8-(N-butyl-N-ethylcarbamoyl)-3-nitro-4-oxo-3,4-dihydro-1,10-phenanthroline;

140. 3-carboxy-6-fluoro-4-oxo-3,4-dihydro-1,10-phenanthroline;

141. 8-(N,N-di-sec-butylcarbamoyl)-3-nitro-4-oxo-3,4-dihydro-1,10-phenanthroline;

142. 8-(N-butyl-N-ethylcarbamoyl)-3-cyano-4-oxo-3,4-dihydro-1,10-phenanthroline;

143. 3-carboxy-8-methoxy-4-oxo-3,4-dihydro-1,10-phenanthroline;

144. 8-(N-cyclohexyl-N-ethylcarbamoyl)-3-nitro-4-oxo-3,4-dihydro-1,10-phenanthroline;

145. 3-carboxy-8-(N-hexyl-N-methylcarbamoyl)-4-oxo-3,4-dihydro-1,10-phenanthroline;

146. 8-(N-hexyl-N-methylcarbamoyl)-3-nitro-4-oxo-3,4-dihydro-1,10-phenanthroline;

147. 6-fluoro-3-nitro-4-oxo-3,4-dihydro-1,10-phenanthroline;

148. 3-carboxy-8-(N-butyl-N-methylcarbamoyl)-4-oxo-3,4-dihydro-1,10-phenanthroline;

149. 3-carboxy-8-(N-ethyl-N-isopropylcarbamoyl)-4-oxo-3,4-dihydro-1,10-phenanthroline;

150. 8-(N-acetylamino)-3-carboxy-4-oxo-3,4-dihydro-1,10-phenanthroline;

151. 3-carboxy-8-(N-{4,4,5,5,5-pentafluoropentyl}-N-methylcarbamoyl)-4-oxo-3,4-dihydro-1,10-phenanthroline;

152. 3-carboxy-8-(N-methyl-N-ethylcarbamoyl)-7-dimethylamino-4-oxo-3,4-dihydro-1,10-phenanthroline;

153. 3-carboxy-8-(N-tert-butoxycarbonylamino)-4-oxo-3,4-dihydro-1,10-phenanthroline;

154. 3-carboxy-6-chloro-8-(N-butyl-N-ethylcarbamoyl)-4-oxo-3,4-dihydro-1,10-phenathroline;

155. 8-amino-7-bromo-3-carboxy-4-oxo-3,4-dihydro-1,10-phenanthroline;

156. 3-carboxy-8-cyano-4-oxo-3,4-dihydro-1,10-phenanthroline;

157. 3-carboxy-8-carboxymethoxy-4-oxo-3,4-dihydro-1,10-phenanthroline;

158. 8-(4-benzylpiperazin-1-ylcarbonyl)-3-nitro-4-oxo-3,4-dihydro-1,10-phenanthroline; or a pharmaceutically-acceptable salt thereof, or a metabolically labile ester derivative of those compounds bearing a carboxy group or groups.

159. Particularly preferred compounds of the invention include, for example, the following phenanthroline derivatives of the formula (I):

160. 3-[2-(2-methoxyethoxy)ethoxycarbonyl]-4-oxo-3,4-dihydro-1,10-phenanthroline (Compound 8);

161. 3-nitro-8-(4-benzylpiperazine-ylcarbonyl)-4-oxo-3,4-dihydro-1,10-phenanthroline (Compound 10);

162. 3-trifluoromethylsulfonyl-4-oxo-3,4-dihydro-1,10-phenanthroline (Compound 11);

163. 8-(N-butyl-N-ethylcarbamoyl)-3-carboxy-4-oxo-3,4-dihydro-1,10-phenanthroline;

164. 3,6-dinitro-4-oxo-3,4-dihydro-1 ,10-phenanthroline;

165. 8-carboxy-3-nitro-4-oxo-3,4-dihydro-1,10-phenanthroline;

166. 8-(4-benzylpiperazin-1-ylcarbonyl)-3-nitro-4-oxo-3,4-dihydro-1,10-phenanthroline;

167. 3-(2,2,2-trifluoroethylsulfonyl)-4-oxo-3,4-dihydro-1,10-phenanthroline;

168. 8-[N-(4-fluorobenzyl)-N-methylcarbamoyl]-3-nitro-4-oxo-3,4-dihydro-1,10-phenanthroline;

169. 3-carboxy-8-N,N-diethylthiocarbamoyl-4-oxo-3,4-dihydro-1,10-phenanthroline;

170. 8-(N-benzyl-N-methylcarbamoyl)-3-cyano-5-fluoro-4-oxo-3,4-dihydro-1,10-phenanthroline;

171. 3-acetyl-7-chloro-8-ethoxycarbonyl-4-oxo-3,4-dihydro-1,10-phenanthroline;

172. 3-carboxy-5-fluoro-8-(N-2,2,3,3,4,4,4-heptafluorobutylcarbamoyl)-4-oxo-3,4-dihydro-1,10-phenanthroline;

173. 3-carboxy-8-(N-4-ethoxyphenylcarbamoyl)-4-oxo-3,4-dihydro-1,10-phenanthroline;

174. 3-carboxy-8-carbamoyl-4-oxo-3,4-dihydro-1,10-phenanthroline;

175. 3-carboxy-4-oxo-8-(1,2,3,4-tetrahydroisoquinolin-2-ylcarbonyl)-3,4-dihydro-1,10-phenanthroline;

176. 3-(2-{morpholino}ethoxycarbonyl)-4-oxo-3,4-dihydro-1,10-phenanthroline (Compound 13);

177. 3-ethoxycarbonyl-4-oxo-5-methoxy-3,4-dihydro-1,10-phenanthroline (Compound 14); or

178. 8-(N-benzyl-N-methylcarbamoyl)-7-dimethylamino-3-ethoxycarbonyl-4-oxo 3,4-dihydro-1,10-phenanthroline;

179. or a pharmaceutically-acceptable salt thereof, or a metabolically labile ester derivative of those compounds bearing a carboxy group.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

180.FIG. 1 illustrates the histological results in the isoproterenol-induced myocardial fibrosis model.

181.FIG. 2 illustrates the results of Compound 12, compared to control, in the rat restenosis model.

182.FIG. 3 illustrates inhibition of prolyl hydroxylase by Compound 12 in restenosis.

183.FIG. 4 illustrates oral treatment of Compound 12 in the brain injured model.

184.FIG. 5 illustrates wound area after treatment of Compound 3 in the dermal punch model.

185.FIG. 6 illustrates the tensile strength on dermal incisional wound on day 7 after oral treatment of Compound 3 and Compound 12.

186.FIG. 7 illustrates the tensile strength of incisional wound after local injections of Compound 12.

187.FIG. 8 illustrates certain embodiments of the invention.

188.FIG. 9 illustrates certain embodiments of the invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

189. A compound of the invention comprising a phenanthroline derivative of the formula (I) as defined hereinbefore, or a pharmaceutically-acceptable salt thereof, or a metabolically labile ester derivative of substituents R¹ and R² when either, or both, is a carboxy group, may be prepared by any process known to be applicable to the preparation of structurally-related compounds. Such procedures are provided as a further feature of the invention and are illustrated by the examples presented herein in which, unless otherwise stated, R¹, R², R³, R⁴ and R⁵ have any of the meanings defined hereinbefore, provided that, when there is an amino, hydroxy or carboxy group in R¹ , R², R³, R⁴ and R⁵, any such group may optionally be protected by a conventional protecting group which may be removed when so desired by conventional means. A nitrogen heteroatom may also be optionally protected by a conventional protecting group which may be removed when so desired by conventional means.

190. A suitable protecting group for an amino group is, for example, an acyl group, for example, an alkanoyl group such as acetyl, an alkoxycarbonyl group, for example, a methoxycarbonyl, ethoxycarbonyl or tert-butoxycarbonyl group, an arylmethoxycarbonyl group, for example, benzyloxycarbonyl, or an aroyl group, for example, benzoyl. The deprotection conditions for the above protecting groups necessarily vary with the choice of protecting group. Thus, for example, an acyl group such as an alkanoyl or alkoxycarbonyl group or an aroyl group may be removed, for example, by hydrolysis with a suitable base such as an alkali metal hydroxide, for example, lithium or sodium hydroxide. Alternatively an acyl group such as a tert-butoxycarbonyl group may be removed, for example, by treatment with a suitable acid such as hydrochloric, sulphuric or phosphoric acid or trifluoroacetic acid and an arylmethoxycarbonyl group such as a benzyloxycarbonyl group may be removed, for example, by hydrogenation over a catalyst such as palladium-on-carbon, or by treatment with a Lewis acid for example boron tris (trifluoroacetate).

191. A suitable alternative protecting group for a primary amino group is, for example, a phthaloyl group which may be removed by treatment with an alkylamine, for example, dimethylaminopropylamine, or with hydrazine.

192. A suitable protecting group for a nitrogen heteroatom is, for example, a pivaloyloxymethyl group which may be removed by hydrolysis with a base, for example, sodium hydroxide or ammonia, in a suitable inert solvent or diluent, for example, methanol or ethanol.

193. A suitable protecting group for a hydroxy group is, for example, an acyl group, for example, an alkanoyl group such as acetyl, an aroyl group, for example, benzoyl, or an arylmethyl group, for example, benzyl. The deprotection conditions for the above protecting groups will necessarily vary with the choice of protecting group. Thus, for example, an acyl group such as an alkanoyl or an aroyl group may be removed, for example, by hydrolysis with a suitable base such as an alkali metal hydroxide, for example, lithium or sodium hydroxide. Alternatively an arylmethyl group such as a benzyl group may be removed, for example, by hydrogenation over a catalyst such as palladium-on-carbon.

194. A suitable protecting group for a carboxy group is, for example, an esterifying group, for example, a methyl or an ethyl group which may be removed, for example, by hydrolysis with a base such as sodium hydroxide, or, for example, a tert-butyl group which may be removed, for example, by treatment with an acid, for example, an organic acid such as trifluoroacetic acid, or, for example a benzyl group which may be removed, for example, by hydrogenation over a catalyst such as palladium-on-carbon.

195. Methods for reactions (a)-(f) are described below:

196. (a) The reaction of an 8-aminoquinoline derivative with a (1-4C)alkoxymethylene compound of the formula (II)

R¹—CO—C(R²)=CH—(1-4C)alkoxy   (II)

197. followed by cyclization of the reaction product; wherein R¹ is a (1-4C)alkoxy or a (1-4C)alkyl group; and R² is a (1-4C)alkoxycarbonyl, (1-4C)alkylsulfonyl, fluoro-(1-4C)alkylsulfonyl or a sulfonylphenyl group; or R¹ and R² are linked, and together with the carbonyl carbon atom to which R¹ is attached, and the carbon atom to which R² is attached, define a 1,3-dioxan-4,6-dione ring (with the carbonyl carbon to which R¹ is attached in the 4-position), and which ring is disubstituted in the 2-position by two (1-4C)alkyl groups:

198. The reaction is preferably carried out in the presence of a suitable solvent such as ethanol. The reaction may also be carried out using neat reagents. The reaction is preferably carried out a temperature in the range 10° C. to 100° C., conveniently in the range 75° C. to 80° C. The cyclization is preferably carried out in the presence of an ether solvent such as, for example, diphenyl ether. The cyclization is preferably carried out at a temperature in the range 180° C. to 270° C., conveniently at, or near, the reflux temperature of the solvent.

199. The preparation of starting 8-aminoquinoline derivatives is described within the accompanying non-limiting Examples which are provided for the purpose of illustration only. Other necessary 8-aminoquinoline derivatives are obtainable by analogous procedures to those described or by modifications thereto which are within the ordinary skill of an organic chemist. Suitable 8-aminoquinoline derivatives are substituted at the 3-position by any of the R² substituents defined hereinbefore, at the 4-position by any of the R⁵ substituents defined hereinbefore, at the 5-position by any of the R⁴ substituents defined hereinbefore and at the 6-position by any of the R³ substituents defined hereinbefore.

200. The preparation of certain starting materials of the formula (II) is described within the accompanying Examples. Other necessary starting materials of the formula (II) are obtainable by analogous procedures to those described or by modifications thereto which are within the ordinary skill of an organic chemist. Other necessary starting materials of the formula (II) are obtainable by standard reactions of organic chemistry which are within the ordinary skill of an organic chemist.

201. (b) For the production of those compounds of the formula (I) in which each, or both of, the substituents R¹ and R² are carboxy groups, the hydrolysis of a compound of the formula (I) in which each, or both of, the substituents R¹ and R² are (1-6C)alkoxycarbonyl groups:

202. The hydrolysis is preferably carried out in the presence of a suitable acid or base. The reaction is also preferably carried out in aqueous solution, and at a temperature in the range 10° C. to 110° C., conveniently in the range 80° C. to 100° C. A suitable acid is, for example, a mineral acid such as, for example, hydrochloric acid. A suitable base is, for example, an alkali or alkaline earth metal carbonate or hydroxide, for example, sodium carbonate, potassium carbonate, sodium hydroxide or potassium hydroxide.

203. The preparation of starting materials of formula (I) in which each, or both of, the substituents R¹ and R² are (1-4C)alkoxycarbonyl groups is described within the accompanying non-limiting Examples which are provided for the purpose of illustration only. Other necessary starting materials are obtainable by analogous procedures to those described or by modifications thereto which are within the ordinary skill of an organic chemist.

204. (c) For the production of those compounds of the formula (I) which bear a nitro substituent, the nitration of a compound of the formula (I) using a suitable nitrating agent:

205. A suitable nitrating agent is, for example, concentrated nitric acid in acetic anhydride, concentrated nitric acid in glacial acetic acid or a nitrate salt such as, for example, ammonium nitrate in trifluoroacetic acid.

206. The reaction is preferably carried out at a temperature in the range 10° C. to 100° C.

207. (d) The reaction of a compound of the formula (I) which bears a carboxy substituent, or a reactive derivative thereof, with ammonia, a primary amine or a secondary amine:

208. The reaction is preferably carried out in an inert solvent or diluent such as, for example, dichloromethane, acetonitrile or dimethylsulfoxide, and at a temperature in the range 0° C. to 100° C. The reaction is also preferably carried out in the presence of a suitable organic amine base such as, for example, triethylamine.

209. A suitable reactive derivative of a carboxy substituent borne by a compound of the formula (I) is, for example, an acyl halide, for example, an acyl chloride formed by the reaction of the carboxy substituent and an acid chloride, for example, thionyl chloride or oxalyl chloride; a mixed anhydride, for example, an anhydride formed by the reaction of the carboxy substituent and a chloroformate such as isobutyl chloroformate; an active ester, for example, an ester formed by the reaction of the carboxy substituent and a phenol such as pentafluorophenol, an ester such as pentafluorophenyl trifluoroacetate or an alcohol such as N-hydroxybenzotriazole; an acyl azide, for example, an azide formed by the reaction of the carboxy substituent and an azide such as diphenylphosphoryl azide; an acyl cyanide, for example, a cyanide formed by the reaction of the carboxy substituent and a cyanide such as diethylphosphoryl cyanide; or the product of the reaction of the carboxy substituent and a carbodiimide such as dicyclohexylcarbodiimide.

210. (e) For the production of those compounds of the formula (I) in which R¹ is a (1-4C)alkoxy-(2-4C)alkoxycarbonyl or a (1-4C)alkoxy-(2-4C)alkoxy-(2-4C)alkoxycarbonyl group, the reaction of a compound of the formula (I) bearing an imidazol-1-ylcarbonyl group in the 3-position with a (1-4C)alkoxy-(2-4C)alkanol or a (1-4C)alkoxy-(2-4C)alkoxy-(2-4C)alkanol:

211. The reaction is preferably carried out in an inert solvent or diluent such as, for example, N,N-dimethylformamide, N,N-dimethylacetamide, N-methylpyrrolidin-2-one or dimethylsulfoxide, and at a temperature in the range 0° C. to 150° C., conveniently at or near ambient temperature. The reaction is also preferably carried out in the presence of a suitable base such as, for example, an alkali or alkaline earth metal carbonate, alkoxide, hydroxide or hydride, for example, sodium carbonate, potassium carbonate, sodium ethoxide, potassium butoxide, sodium hydroxide, potassium hydroxide, sodium hydride or potassium hydride, or an organometallic base such as an alkyl-lithium, for example, n-butyl-lithium, or a dialkylamino-lithium, for example, lithium di-isopropylamide, or, for example, an organic amine base such as, for example, pyridine, 2,6-lutidine, collidine, 4-dimethylaminopyridine, triethylamine, morpholine or diazabicyclo-[5.4.0]undec-7-ene.

212. The preparation of starting materials of the formula (I) bearing an imidazol-1-ylcarbonyl group in the 3-position is described within the accompanying Examples. Other necessary starting materials of the formula (I) bearing an imidazol-1-ylcarbonyl group in the 3-position are obtainable by analogous procedures to those described or by modifications thereto which are within the ordinary skill of an organic chemist.

213. A suitable value for a (1-4C)alkoxy-(2-4C)alkanol is, for example, 2 -methoxyethanol, 2-ethoxyethanol and 3-methoxypropanol. A suitable value for a (1-4C)alkoxy-(2-4C)alkoxy-(2-4C)alkanol is, for example, 2-(2-methoxyethoxy)ethanol, 2-(2-ethoxyethoxy)ethanol and 3-(2-methoxyethoxy)propanol.

214. (f) For the production of those compounds of the formula (I) in which each, or both of, the substituents R¹ and R² are cyano groups, the dehydration of a compound of the formula (I) in which each, or both of, the substituents R¹ and R² are carbamoyl groups using a suitable dehydrating agent:

215. The dehydration is preferably carried out at a temperature in the range 0° C. to 100° C., conveniently at or near ambient temperature.

216. A suitable dehydrating agent is, for example, a mixture of trifluoroacetic anhydride and pyridine, phosphorous pentachloride or phosphorous oxychloride.

217. The preparation of a compound of the formula (I) in which each, or both of, the substituents R¹ and R² are carbamoyl groups is described, for example, in the section (d) hereinbefore and in the accompanying Examples. Other necessary starting materials of the formula (I) in which each, or both of, the substituents R¹ and R² are carbamoyl groups are obtainable by analogous procedures to those described or by modification thereto which are within the ordinary skill of an organic chemist.

218. It will be observed that certain phenanthrolinone derivatives of the present invention possess at least one asymmetric carbon atom (for example, when the substituent R¹ is, for example, a 1-hydroxyethyl group) and can therefore exist in racemic and optically active forms. It is to be understood that the present invention encompasses a racemic form of any such phenanthroline derivative of the invention, any optically-active form thereof or a mixture thereof which possesses prolyl 4-hydroxylase inhibitory activity. It is a matter of common general knowledge how such optically-active forms may be obtained by stereospecific synthesis or by the separation of mixtures of isomeric compounds.

219. It is also to be understood that a phenanthroline derivative of the formula (I) may exhibit the phenomenon of tautomerism. In particular, it will be appreciated that the 4-oxo-3,4-dihydro-1,10-phenanthroline group may be in the form, for example, of a 4-hydroxy-1,10-phenanthroline group, or in the form, for example, of a 4-oxo-1,4-dihydro-1,10-phenanthroline group. It is to be understood that the invention encompasses any tautomeric form which possesses prolyl 4-hydroxylase inhibitory activity and is not to be limited merely to any one tautomeric form.

220. It is also to be understood that certain phenanthroline derivatives of the formula (I) can exist in solvated as well as unsolvated forms such as, for example, hydrated forms. It is to be understood that the invention encompasses all such solvated forms which possess prolyl 4-hydroxylase inhibitory activity.

221. A suitable pharmaceutically-acceptable salt of a phenanthroline derivative of the invention which is sufficiently basic is an acid-addition salt with, for example, an inorganic or organic acid, for example, hydrochloric, hydrobromic, sulphuric, phosphoric, trifluoroacetic, citric or maleic acid. In addition a suitable pharmaceutically-acceptable salt of a phenanthroline derivative of the invention which is sufficiently acidic is an alkali metal salt, for example, a calcium or magnesium salt, an ammonium or tetra-(2-hydroxyethyl) ammonium salt or a salt with organic amines and quaternary bases which afford a physiologically-acceptable cation, for example, a salt with methylamine, dimethylamine, trimethylamine, ethylenediamine, piperidine, morpholine, pyrrolidine, piperazine, lysine, arginine, guanidine, ethanolamine, triethanolamine, N-methylglucamine, tetramethylammonium, hydroxide or benzyltrimethylammonium hydroxide.

222. A suitable metabolically labile ester derivative of substituents R¹ and R² when either, or both, is a carboxy group are esters formed with alcohols such as indanol; adamantol; (1-6C)alkanoyloxy-(l-4C)alkanols such as, for example, pivaloyloxymethyl; glycolamides; (5-methyl-2-oxo-1,3-dioxol-4-yl)methyl alcohol, (1-4C)alkoxycarbonyl-(1-4C)alkanols such as, for example, 2-(methoxycarbonyl)ethyl alcohol and oxa-(1-8C)alkandiols such as, for example, 3-oxapentan-1,5-diol and 3,6-dioxaoctan-1,8-diol.

223. When a pharmaceutically-acceptable salt of a compound of the formula (I) is required, it may be obtained, for example, by reaction of said compound with a suitable acid or base using a conventional procedure. When an optically active form of a compound of the formula (I) is required, it may be obtained by carrying out one of the aforesaid processes using an optically active starting material, or by resolution of a racemic form of said compound using a conventional procedure.

224. When a metabolically labile ester derivative of substituents R¹ and R² when either, or both, is a carboxy group is required, it may be obtained, for example, by esterifying said carboxy group or groups using a conventional technique.

225. As stated above, the compounds of the present invention are of potential use in treating fibroproliferative disease, and accordingly the present invention also concerns the use of a compound of the formula (I), including those derivatives hereinbefore excluded from the scope of formula (I), or a pharmaceutically-acceptable salt thereof, or a metabolically labile ester derivative of substituents R¹ and R² when either, or both, is a carboxy group, in the manufacture of a medicament for use in ameliorating fibroproliferative disease. The pharmacological activity may be demonstrated using one or more standard test procedures known in the art or as described in the examples.

226. A phenanthroline derivative of the present invention may itself be active or it may be a pro-drug which is converted in vivo to an active compound.

227. The present invention further provides a pharmaceutical composition comprising one or more phenanthroline derivatives of the formula (I) defined hereinbefore, and in addition those compounds named as excluded hereinbefore, which possess useful pharmacological activity; or a pharmaceutically-acceptable salt or metabolically labile ester thereof. The pharmaceutical composition which may be administered to a warm-blooded animal, including a human, comprises one or more phenanthroline derivatives in association with a pharmaceutically-acceptable diluent or carrier.

228. A preferred pharmaceutical composition comprises the phenanthroline derivative selected from

229. 3-carboxy-4-oxo-3,4-dihydro-1,10-phenanthroline (Compound 12);

230. 3-carboxy-5-methyl-4-oxo-3,4-dihydro-1,10-phenanthroline;

231. 3-(2-{morpholino}ethoxycarbonyl)-4-oxo-3,4-dihydro-1,10-phenanthroline (Compound 13);

232. 3-ethoxycarbonyl-4-oxo-5-methoxy-3,4-dihydro-1,10-phenanthroline (Compound 14);

233. 3-carboxy-5-methoxy-4-oxo-3,4-dihydro-1,10-phenanthroline (Compound 15);

234. 3-ethoxycarbonyl-4-oxo-3,4-dihydro-1,10-phenanthroline; and

235. 3-ethoxycarbonyl-6-fluoro-4-oxo-3,4-dihydro-1,10-phenanthroline, or a pharmaceutically-acceptable salt thereof, or a metabolically labile ester derivative of the 3-carboxy substituent when present, in association with a pharmaceutically-acceptable diluent or carrier.

236. A further preferred pharmaceutical composition comprises the phenanthroline derivative, 3-carboxy-4-oxo-3,4-dihydro-1,10-phenanthroline, or a pharmaceutically-acceptable salt thereof or a metabolically labile ester derivative of the 3-carboxy substituent, in association with a pharmaceutically-acceptable diluent or carrier.

237. The pharmaceutical composition may also comprise a phenanthroline derivative of the formula (I) as defined hereinbefore in the section relating to pharmaceutical compositions, or a pharmaceutically-acceptable salt thereof, or a metabolically labile ester derivative of substituents R¹ and R² when either, or both, is a carboxy group, a cyclodextrin and optionally a pharmaceutically- acceptable diluent or carrier.

238. A suitable cyclodextrin is, for example, α-cyclodextrin, β-cyclodextrin or α-cyclodextrin. An alternative suitable cyclodextrin is, for example, a cyclodextrin derivative such as 2-hydroxypropyl-β-cyclodextrin, an alkylated cyclodextrin or a branched cyclodextrin. Preferably, the cyclodextrin is β-cyclodextrin.

239. The composition may be in a form suitable for oral use, for example, a tablet, capsule, aqueous or oily solution, suspension or emulsion; for topical use, for example, a cream, ointment, gel or aqueous or oily solution or suspension; for nasal use, for example, a snuff, nasal spray or nasal drops; for vaginal or rectal use, for example, a suppository; for administration by inhalation, for example, as a finely divided powder such as a dry powder, a microcrystalline form or a liquid aerosol; for sub-lingual or buccal use, for example, a tablet or capsule; or for parenteral use (including intravenous, subcutaneous, intramuscular, intravascular or infusion), for example, a sterile aqueous or oily solution, emulsion or suspension.

240. Alternatively, the composition may be a continuous release composition as either a solid or liquid depot formulation, as microparticles or as microparticulate suspensions. In general the above compositions may be prepared in a conventional manner using conventional excipients. It is to be understood that the pharmaceutical composition may comprise a prodrug of a phenanthroline derivative of the formula (I) as defined hereinbefore in the section relating to pharmaceutical compositions. Such prodrugs include, but are not limited to, metabolically labile ester derivatives of R¹ and R² when either, or both, is a carboxy group; other substituents, for example, hydroxy groups, may provide suitable positions for the formation of prodrugs. The preparation of suitable prodrugs is within the ordinary skill of a worker in the pharmaceutical sciences.

241. As stated above, the present invention concerns the use of a compound of the present invention, or a pharmaceutically-acceptable salt thereof, or a metabolically labile ester derivative of substituents R¹ and R² when either, or both, is a carboxy group, in combatting fibroproliferative disease. Other agents are currently known to possess activity against one or more fibroproliferative diseases. Thus, for example, cyclooxygenase inhibitory non-steroidal anti-inflammatory agents (NSAIA), such as indomethacin, acetylsalicyclic acid, ibuprofen, sulindac, tolmetin and piroxicam, are used in the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis. Also certain anti-inflammatory steroidal agents such as corticosteroidal agents, for example, beclomethasone dipropionate, betamethasone valerate, prednisolone or triamcinolone are used in the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis. Co-administration of a prolyl 4-hydroxylase inhibitor of the present invention with a NSAIA or a steroid derivative as defined hereinbefore can result in a reduction of the dose of the latter agents which is needed to produce a therapeutic effect. According to a further feature of the present invention there is provided a pharmaceutical composition which comprises a phenanthroline derivative of the formula (I) as defined hereinbefore in the section relating to pharmaceutical compositions, or a pharmaceutically-acceptable salt thereof, or a metabolically labile ester derivative of substituents R¹ and R² when either, or both, is a carboxy group, as defined hereinbefore, in conjunction or admixture with a cyclooxygenase inhibitory non-steroidal anti-inflammatory agent or an anti-inflammatory steroidal agent, and a pharmaceutically-acceptable diluent or carrier.

242. In addition certain agents are beneficial in the treatment of liver fibrosis, for example, certain alkaloids such as colchicine and β-adrenergic receptor blocking agents such as propranolol, atenolol, labetolol and metoprolol may be beneficial. Co-administration of a 4-prolyl hydroxylase inhibitor of the present invention with colchicine or a β-adrenergic receptor blocking agent can result in an improved therapeutic effect. According to a further feature of the present invention there is provided a pharmaceutical composition which comprises a phenanthroline derivative of the formula (I) as defined hereinbefore in the section relating to pharmaceutical compositions, or a pharmaceutically-acceptable salt thereof, or a metabolically labile ester derivative of substituents R¹ and R² when either, or both, is a carboxy group, as defined hereinbefore, in conjunction or admixture with colchicine or a β-adrenergic receptor blocking agent, and a pharmaceutically-acceptable diluent or carrier.

243. The phenanthroline derivative will normally be administered to a warm-blooded animal at a unit dose within the range 5-5000 mg per square meter body area of the animal, i.e. approximately 1-100 mg/kg, and this normally provides a therapeutically-effective dose. Where orally administered, the dose will preferably be 100-3500 mg/dose and more preferably 250-1250 mg/dose, administered 2-3 times daily. The daily dose will preferably be 3-150 mg/kg/day and more preferably 7-55 mg/kg/day. A unit dose form such as a tablet or capsule will usually contain, for example, 1-1000 mg of active ingredient whereas a capsule will usually contain 1-500 mg of active ingredient. However, the daily dose will necessarily be varied depending upon the host treated, the particular route of administration, and the severity of the illness being treated. Accordingly the optimum dosage may be determined by the practitioner who is treating any particular patient.

244. According to a further feature of the invention there is provided a phenanthroline derivative of the formula (I) as defined hereinbefore in the section relating to pharmaceutical compositions, or a pharmaceutically-acceptable salt thereof, or a metabolically labile ester derivative of substituents R¹ and R² when either, or both, is a carboxy group, for use in a method of therapeutic treatment of the human or animal body.

245. According to a further preferred feature of the invention there is provided the phenanthroline derivative selected from

246. 3-carboxy-4-oxo-3,4-dihydro-1,10-phenanthroline;

247. 3-carboxy-5-methyl-4-oxo-3,4-dihydro-1,10-phenanthroline;

248. 3-ethoxycarbonyl-4-oxo-3,4-dihydro-1,10-phenanthrolline;

249. 3-(2-{morpholino}ethoxycarbonyl)-4-oxo-3,4-dihydro-1,10-phenanthroline (Compound 13);

250. 3-ethoxycarbonyl-4-oxo-5-methoxy-3,4-dihydro-1,10-phenanthroline (Compound 14);

251. 3-carboxy-5-methoxy-4-oxo-3,4-dihydro-1,10-phenanthroline (Compound 15); and

252. 3-ethoxycarbonyl-6-fluoro-4-oxo-3,4-dihydro-1,10-phenanthroline, or a pharmaceutically-acceptable salt thereof, or a metabolically labile ester derivative of the 3-carboxy substituent when present, for use in a method of therapeutic treatment of the human or animal body.

253. According to a further preferred feature of the invention there is provided the phenanthroline derivative 3-carboxy-4-oxo-3,4-dihydro-1,10-phenanthroline, or a pharmaceutically-acceptable salt thereof, or a metabolically labile ester derivative of the 3-carboxy substituent, for use in a method of therapeutic treatment of the human or animal body.

254. According to a further feature of the present invention there is provided a method for producing an anti-fibroproliferative effect in a warm-blooded animal, such as man, in need of such treatment which comprises administering to said animal an effective amount of a phenanthroline derivative of the formula (I) as defined hereinbefore in the section relating to pharmaceutical compositions, or a pharmaceutically-acceptable salt thereof, or a metabolically labile ester derivative of substituents R¹ and R² when either, or both, is a carboxy group.

255. According to a further preferred feature of the invention there is provided a method for producing an anti-fibroproliferative effect in a warm-blooded animal, such as man, in need of such treatment which comprises administering to said animal an effective amount of the phenanthroline derivative selected from

256. 3-carboxy-5-methyl-4-oxo-3,4-dihydro-1,10-phenanthroline;

257. 3-carboxy-5-methoxy-4-oxo-3,4-dihydro-1,10-phenanthroline;

258. 3-ethoxycarbonyl-4-oxo-3,4-dihydro-1,10-phenanthroline;

259. 3-ethoxycarbonyl-6-fluoro-4-oxo-3,4-dihydro-1,10-phenanthroline;

260. 3-cyano-4-oxo-3,4-dihydro-1,10-phenanthroline;

261. 3-carboxy-8-(N-methyl-N-{2,4-difluorobenzyl}carbamoyl)-4-oxo-3,4-dihydro-1,10-phenanthroline;

262. 3-carboxy-4-oxo-3,4-dihydro-1,10-phenanthroline;

263. 3-carboxy-8-(N-benzyl-N-methylcarbamoyl)-5-methyl-4-oxo-3,4-dihydro-1,10-phenanthroline;

264. 5-chloro-3-carboxy-4-oxo-3,4-dihydro-1,10-phenanthroline;

265. 3-cyano-8-(N-benzyl-N-methylcarbamoyl)-4-oxo-3,4-dihydro-1,10-phenanthroline;

266. 3-nitro-8-(N-ethyl-N-propylcarbamoyl)-4-oxo-3,4-dihydro-1,10-phenanthroline;

267. 3-carboxy-8-hydroxy-4-oxo-3,4-dihydro-1,10-phenanthroline;

268. 3-[2-(2-methoxyethoxy)ethoxycarbonyl]-4-oxo-3,4-dihydro-1,10-phenanthroline;

269. 3-carboxy-6-chloro-4-oxo-3,4-dihydro-1,10-phenanthroline;

270. 3-nitro-8-(4-benzylpiperazine-ylcarbonyl)-4-oxo-3,4-dihydro-1,10-phenanthroline;

271. 3-(2-{morpholino}ethoxycarbonyl)-4-oxo-3,4-dihydro-1,10-phenanthroline;

272. 3-ethoxycarbonyl-4-oxo-5-methoxy-3,4-dihydro-1,10-phenanthroline; and

273. 3-trifluoromethylsulfonyl-4-oxo-3,4-dihydro-1,10-phenanthroline; or a pharmaceutically-acceptable salt thereof, or a metabolically labile ester derivative of the 3-carboxy substituent when present.

274. According to a further preferred feature of the invention there is provided a method for producing an anti-fibroproliferative effect in a warm-blooded animal, such as man, in need of such treatment which comprises administering to said animal an effective amount of the phenanthroline derivative 3-carboxy-4-oxo-3,4-dihydro-1,10-phenanthroline or a pharmaceutically-acceptable salt thereof, or metabolically labile ester derivative of the 3-carboxy substituent.

275. The invention also provides the use of a phenanthroline derivative of the formula (I) as defined hereinbefore in the section relating to pharmaceutical compositions, or a pharmaceutically-acceptable salt thereof, or a metabolically labile ester derivative of substituents R¹ and R² when either, or both, is a carboxy group, in the manufacture of a novel medicament for use in the production of an anti-fibroproliferative effect in a warm blooded animal, such as man.

276. According to a further preferred feature of the invention there is provided a method for regenerating cells by producing an anti-fibroproliferative effect in a host, such a man, in need of such treatment which comprises administering to said host an effective amount of one or more phenanthroline derivatives of the formula (I) as defined hereinbefore in the section relating to pharmaceutical compositions. Preferably a phenanthroline derivative and a pharmaceutically-acceptable salt thereof, or a metabolically labile ester derivative of substituents R¹ and R² when either, or both, is a carboxy group, is selected from:

277. 3-cyano-4-oxo-3,4-dihydro-1,10-phenanthroline (Compound 1);

278. 3-carboxy-8-(N-methyl-N-{2,4-difluorobenzyl}carbamoyl)-4-oxo-3,4-dihydro-1,10-phenanthroline (Compound 3);

279. 3-carboxy-4-oxo-3,4-dihydro-1,10-phenanthroline (Compound 12);

280. 3-carboxy-8-(N-benzyl-N-methylcarbamoyl)-5-methyl-4-oxo-3,4-dihydro-1,10-phenanthroline (Compound 5);

281. 5-chloro-3-carboxy-4-oxo-3,4-dihydro-1,10-phenanthroline (Compound 2);

282. 3-cyano-8-(N-benzyl-N-methylcarbamoyl)-4-oxo-3,4-dihydro-1,10-phenanthroline (Compound 4);

283. 3-nitro-8-(N-ethyl-N-propylcarbamoyl)-4-oxo-3,4-dihydro-1,10-phenanthroline (Compound 6);

284. 3-carboxy-8-hydroxy-4-oxo-3,4-dihydro-1,10-phenanthroline (Compound 7);

285. 3-[2-(2-methoxyethoxy)ethoxycarbonyl]-4-oxo-3,4-dihydro-1,10-phenanthroline (Compound 8);

286. 3-carboxy-6-chloro-4-oxo-3,4-dihydro-1,10-phenanthroline (Compound 9);

287. 3-nitro-8-(4-benzylpiperazine-ylcarbonyl)-4-oxo-3,4-dihydro-1,10-phenanthroline (Compound 10);

288. 3-trifluoromethylsulfonyl-4-oxo-3,4-dihydro-1,10-phenanthroline (Compound 11);

289. 3-(2-{morpholino}ethoxycarbonyl)-4-oxo-3,4-dihydro-1,10-phenanthroline (Compound 13);

290. 3-ethoxycarbonyl-4-oxo-5-methoxy-3,4-dihydro-1,10-phenanthroline (Compound 14); and

291. 3-carboxyl-4-oxo-5-methoxy-3,4-dihydro-1,10-phenanthroline (Compound 15).

292. Preferrably, the phenanthroline derivative is 3-carboxy-4-oxo-3,4-dihydro-1,10-phenanthroline and compositions thereof.

293. According to a further preferred feature of the invention there is provided the use of a phenanthroline derivative of formula (I) as defined hereinbefore in the section relating to pharmaceutical compositions, preferably selected from:

294. 3-cyano-4-oxo-3,4-dihydro-1,10-phenanthroline;

295. 3-carboxy-8-(N-methyl-N-{2,4-difluorobenzyl}carbamoyl)-4-oxo-3,4-dihydro-1,10-phenanthroline;

296. 3-carboxy-4-oxo-3,4-dihydro-1,10-phenanthroline;

297. 3-carboxy-8-(N-benzyl-N-methylcarbamoyl)-5-methyl-4-oxo-3,4-dihydro-1,10-phenanthroline;

298. 5-chloro-3-carboxy-4-oxo-3,4-dihydro-1,10-phenanthroline;

299. 3-cyano-8-(N-benzyl-N-methylcarbamoyl)-4-oxo-3,4-dihydro-1,10-phenanthroline;

300. 3-nitro-8-(N-ethyl-N-propylcarbamoyl)-4-oxo-3,4-dihydro-1,10-phenanthroline;

301. 3-carboxy-8-hydroxy-4-oxo-3,4-dihydro-1,10-phenanthroline;

302. 3-[2-(2-methoxyethoxy)ethoxycarbonyl]-4-oxo-3,4-dihydro-1,10-phenanthroline;

303. 3-carboxy-6-chloro-4-oxo-3,4-dihydro-1,10-phenanthroline;

304. 3-nitro-8-(4-benzylpiperazine-ylcarbonyl)-4-oxo-3,4-dihydro-1,10-phenanthroline;

305. 3-trifluoromethylsulfonyl-4-oxo-3,4-dihydro-1,10-phenanthroline;

306. 3-carboxy-5-methyl-4-oxo-3,4-dihydro-1,10-phenanthroline;

307. 3-(2-{morpholino}ethoxycarbonyl)-4-oxo-3,4-dihydro-1,10-phenanthroline;

308. 3-ethoxycarbonyl-4-oxo-5-methoxy-3,4-dihydro-1,10-phenanthroline;

309. 3-carboxy-4-oxo-5-methoxy-3,4-dihydro-1,10-phenanthroline;

310. 3-ethoxycarbonyl-4-oxo-3,4-dihydro-1,10-phenanthroline; and

311. 3-ethoxycarbonyl-6-fluoro-4-oxo-3,4-dihydro-1,10-phenanthroline, or a pharmaceutically-acceptable salt thereof, or a metabolically labile ester derivative of the 3-carboxy substituent when present, in the manufacture of a novel medicament for use in the production of an anti-fibroproliferative effect (for example for treating the formation of scar tissue following injury or surgery) in a warm blooded animal, such as man.

312. According to a further preferred feature of the invention there is provided the use of the phenanthroline derivative 3-carboxy-4-oxo-3,4-dihydro-1,10-phenanthroline, or a pharmaceutically-acceptable salt thereof, or a metabolically labile ester derivative of the 3-carboxy substituent, in the manufacture of a novel medicament for use in the production of an anti-fibroproliferative (for example for treating the formation of scar tissue following injury or surgery) effect in a warm blooded animal, such as man.

313. The invention is illustrated but not limited by the following Examples in which unless otherwise stated.

EXAMPLES

314. (i) evaporations were carried out by rotary evaporation in vacuo and work-up procedures were carried out after removal of residual solids by filtration;

315. (ii) operations were carried out at ambient temperature, that is in the range 18-20° C. and under an atmosphere of an inert gas such as argon;

316. (iii) column chromatography (by the flash procedure) and medium pressure liquid chromatography (MPLC) were performed on Merck Kieselgel silica (Art. 9385) or Merck Lichroprep RP-18 reversed-phase silica (Art. 9303) obtained from E. Merck, Darmstadt, Germany;

317. (iv) yields are given for illustration only and are not necessarily the maximum attainable;

318. (v) the end-products of the formula (I) generally have satisfactory microanalysis and their structures were confirmed by NMR and mass spectral techniques [proton magnetic resonance spectra were determined using a Jeol FX 90Q or a Bruker AM200 spectrometer operating at a field strength of 200 MHz; chemical shifts are reported in parts per million downfield from tetramethysilane as an internal standard (δ scale) and peak multiplicities are shown thus: s, singlet, d, doublet; dd, doublet of doublets; t, triplet, m, multiplet; fast-atom bombardment (FAB) mass spectral data were obtained using a VG Analytical MS9 spectrometer and xenon gas and, where appropriate, either positive ion data or negative ion data were collected];

319. (vi) intermediates were not generally fully characterised and purity was assessed by thin layer chromatographic, infra-red (IR) or NMR analysis;

320. (vii) melting points were determined using a Mettler SP62 automatic melting point apparatus, a Koffler hot plate apparatus or an oil-bath apparatus; and

321. (viii) the following abbreviations have been used:

322. THF tetrahydrofuran;

323. DMF N,N-dimethylformamide;

324. DMSO dimethylsulfoxide; and

325. TFA trifluoroacetic acid.

Example I

326. 3-[2-(2-methoxyethoxy)ethoxycarbonyl]-4-oxo-3,4-dihydro-1,10-phenanthroline (Compound 8)

327. 1,1′-Carbonyldiimidazole (30.4 g ) was added to a stirred mixture of 3-carboxy-4-oxo-3,4-dihydro-1,10-phenanthroline (18 g) and DMF (400 ml). The mixture was stirred at 100° C. for 2.5 hours, and then cooled to ambient temperature. The resulting solid was filtered to give 3-(imidazol-1-ylcarbonyl)-4-oxo-3,4-dihydro-1,10-phenanthroline in 92% yield.

328. Sodium hydride (3.15 g, 60%) was added in portions to a mixture of 2-(2-methoxyethoxy)ethanol (15 ml) and DMF (200 ml). The mixture was stirred for approximately 30 minutes until effervescence ceased. 3-(imidazol-l-ylcarbonyl)-4-oxo-3,4-dihydro-1,10-phenanthroline (21.05 g) was added and the mixture stirred for 18 hours. The mixture was acidified to pH 5-6 with acetic acid, and evaporated to dryness under reduced pressure. Water (50 ml) was added and the mixture extracted with dichloromethane. The organic layer was washed with brine, dried (MgSO₄) and evaporated to dryness under reduced pressure. The residue was purified by flash chromatography on silica using dichloromethane, followed by a 24:1:0.1 mixture of dichloromethane methanol:triethylamine as eluant. The product so obtained was triturated with ethyl acetate to give 3-[2-(2-methoxyethoxy)ethoxycarbonyl]-4-oxo-3,4-dihydro-1,10-phenanthroline in 68% overall yield, mp 164-165° C.

329. NMR Spectrum (D6-DMSO+D4-HOAc): 3.22(s,3H); 3.45(m,2H); 3.58(m,2H); 3.7(t,3H); 4.3 (t,2H); 7.75(dd,2H); 7.8(d,2H); 8.2(d,2H); 8.48(dd,2H); 8.55(s,1H); 9.05(dd,1H).

330. The 3-carboxy-4-oxo-3,4-dihydro-1,10-phenanthroline (Compound 12) used as starting material was obtained as follows:

331. A mixture of 8-aminoquinoline (14.4 g) and diethyl ethoxymethylenemalonate (26 g) in ethanol (100 ml) was heated at reflux for 18 hours. The mixture was cooled, filtered and the solid washed with ethanol. The solid so obtained was added to refluxing diphenyl ether (1000 ml), and the resulting mixture stirred at reflux for 45 minutes. The mixture was cooled to approximately 60° C. and diluted with hexane (500 ml). The mixture was cooled to ambient temperature, filtered and the solid washed with hexane to give 3-ethoxycarbonyl-4-oxo-3,4-dihydro-1,10-phenanthroline in 84% yield, mp 242-244° C.

332. A mixture of 3-ethoxycarbonyl-4-oxo-3,4-dihydro-1,10-phenanthroline (20 g) and 5M hydrochloric acid (100 ml) was stirred at reflux for 2 hours. The mixture was cooled and filtered. The solid so obtained was recrystallised from DMF to give the required starting material in 95% yield.

333. NMR Spectrum (D6-DMSO): 7.88(m,1H); 8.0(d,1H); 8.25(d,1H); 8.6(m,1H) 8.72 (m, 1H); 9.12 (m, 1H).

Example II

334. A mixture of 8-(N-butyl-N-ethylcarbamoyl)-3-ethoxycarbonyl-4-oxo-3,4-dihydro-1,10-phenanthroline (12 g) and 2M hydrochloric acid (300 ml) was stirred at reflux for 2 hours. The mixture was cooled to ambient temperature, filtered and the solid washed with water. The solid so obtained was recrystallised from acetonitrile to give 8-(N-butyl-N-ethylcarbamoyl)-3-carboxy-4-oxo-3,4-dihydro-1,10-phenanthroline in 76% yield, mp 236-237° C.

335. NMR Spectrum (D6-DMSO-at 100° C.): 0.86(t,3H); 1.18(t,3H); 1.30(q,2H) 1.63(m,2H); 8.08(d,1H); 8.35(d,1H); 8.60(d,1H); 8.82(s,1H); 9.08 (d, 1H).

336. The 8-(N-butyl-N-ethylcarbamoyl)-3-ethoxycarbonyl-4-oxo-3,4-dihydro-1,10-phenanthroline used as starting material was obtained as follows:

337. A mixture of 2-nitroaniline (41.4 g) and diethyl ethoxymethylenemalonate (66 ml) was heated on a steam bath for 24 hours. The hot reaction mixture was treated with ethanol (300 ml), cooled and filtered to give diethyl (2-nitroanilino)methylenemalonate in 88% yield, mp 104-105° C.

338. Diethyl (2-nitroanilino)methylenemalonate (43 g) was added to refluxing diphenyl ether (600 ml). The mixture was stirred at reflux for 1.5 hours, then cooled to ambient temperature. Diethyl ether (600 ml) was added and the mixture filtered. The solid so obtained was washed with diethyl ether to give 3-ethoxycarbonyl-8-nitro-4-oxo-3,4-dihydroquinoline in 85% yield, mp 241-243° C.

339. A mixture of 3-ethoxycarbonyl-8-nitro-4-oxo-3,4-dihydro-quinoline (12 g) and 2M sodium hydroxide solution (100 ml) was stirred at reflux for 1 hour. The mixture was cooled to ambient temperature and acidified to pH 5 with glacial acetic acid. The mixture was filtered and the solid so obtained washed with water to give 3-carboxy-8-nitro-4-oxo-3,4-dihydroquinoline in 93% yield, mp 263-265° C.

340. DMF (0.2 ml) was added to a mixture of 3-carboxy-8-nitro-4-oxo-3,4-dihydroquinoline (30 g) and thionyl chloride (150 ml) and the mixture stirred at reflux for approximately 2 hours until a clear solution was obtained. The solution was evaporated to dryness under reduced pressure, the residue dissolved in toluene and the solution again evaporated to dryness under reduced pressure. N-ethylbutylamine (19.1 ml, 14.14 g) followed by triethylamine (30 ml) were added dropwise to a stirred, ice-cold solution of the residue so obtained in acetonitrile. The mixture was stirred at ambient temperature for 1 hour and then evaporated to dryness under reduced pressure. The residue was partitioned between water and ethyl acetate. The orgainc layer was dried (MgSO₄) and evaporated to dryness under reduced pressure. The residue was purified by flash chromatography on silica using a 1:19 mixture of ethyl acetate:chloroform as eluant. There was thus obtained 3-(N-butyl-N-ethylcarbamoyl)-4-chloro-8-nitro-quinoline in 93% yield.

341. Ammonium formate (26.5 g) was added in portions to a stirred mixture of 3-(N-butyl-N-ethylcarbamoyl)-4-chloro-8-nitro-quinoline (40 g), 10% palladium on carbon (20 g) and ethanol (500 ml) at reflux. The mixture was stirred at relux for 1 hour, the hot mixture was filtered through a pad of celite and the filtrates evaporated to dryness. The residue was partitioned between water and chloroform and the organic layer dried, and evaporated to dryness under reduced pressure. There was thus obtained 3-{-butyl-N-ethylcarbamoyl)-8-amino-quinoline in 99% yield.

342. A mixture of 3-(N-butyl-N-ethylcarbamoyl)-8-amino-quinoline (25 g) and diethyl ethoxymethylenemalonate (23.8 g) in ethanol was heated at reflux for 18 hours. The mixture was evaporated to dryness under reduced pressure and the residue purified by flash chromatography on silica using chloroform, followed by 1:19 mixture of methanol:chloroform as eluant. The solvent was evaporated and the residue obtained on standing was added to refluxing diphenyl ether (500 ml) . The mixture was stirred at reflux for 1.5 hours, then cooled to ambient temperature and added to a stirred 1:1 mixture of hexane:ether (500 ml) . The mixture was stirred for 18 hours, filtered and the solid so obtained washed with diethyl ether to give the required starting material in 55% yield, mp 128-129° C.

Example III

343. A solution of concentrated nitric acid (1 ml) in acetic anhydride (10 ml) was added dropwise to a stirred mixture of 4-oxo-3,4-dihydro-1,10-phenanthroline (0.98 g) in acetic anhydride (10 ml) The mixture was stirred at ambient temperature for 3 hours, diluted with ethyl acetate (50 ml) and filtered. The solid so obtained was recrystallised from a mixture of DMF and ethyl acetate to give 3,6-dinitro-4-oxo-3,4-dihydro-1,10-phenanthroline in 50% yield.

344. NMR Spectrum (D6-DMSO): 8.08(dd,1H); 8.92(s,1H); 8.95(s,1H); 9.06(dd, 1H); 9.23 (dd, 1H).

Example IV

345. A mixture of 8-ethoxycarbonyl-3-nitro-4-oxo-3,4-dihydro-1,10-phenanthroline (0.55 g) and 2M sodium hydroxide solution (5 ml) was stirred at reflux for 2 hours. The hot suspension was neutralised with glacial acetic acid, cooled and diluted with water. The mixture was filtered and washed with water to give 8-carboxy-3-nitro-4-oxo-3,4-dihydro-1,10-phenanthroline in 98% yield.

346. NMR Spectrum (D6-DMSO): 8.1(d,1H); 8.35(d,1H); 8.98(s,1H); 9.06(d,1H); 9.5(d,1H).

347. The 8-ethoxycarbonyl-3-nitro-4-oxo-3,4-dihydro-1,10-phenanthroline used as starting material was obtained as follows:

348. A mixture of 3-ethoxycarbonyl-8-nitro-4-oxo-3,4-dihydro-quinoline (10.2 g) and phosphorous oxychloride (10 ml) was stirred at reflux for 2 hours. The warm reaction mixture was added cautiously to a vigorously stirred mixture of ice, concentrated aqueous ammonia and chloroform. The organic layer was separated, washed with water, dried and evaporated to dryness. The residue was purified by flash chromatography on silica using chloroform as eluant to give 4-chloro-3-ethoxycarbonyl-8-nitro-quinoline in 75% yield, mp 253-254° C.

349. Ammonium formate was added to a vigorously stirred mixture of 4-chloro-3-ethoxycarbonyl-8-nitro-quinoline (5.6 g), ethanol (1000 ml) and 10% palladium on carbon catalyst (2 g). The mixture was stirred at ambient temperature for 1 hour, filtered through a pad of celite and the pad washed with dichloromethane. The combined filtrate and washings were evaporated to dryness. The residue so obtained was purified by flash chromatography on silica using chloroform as eluant to give 3-ethoxycarbonyl-8-amino-quinoline in 58% yield, mp 94-96° C.

350. A mixture of 3-ethoxycarbonyl-8-amino-quinoline (9.9 g), 2, 2-dimethyl-5-methoxymethylene-1,3-dioxan-4,6-dione (Monatsh. Chem., 98:564-78 (1967))(10.3 g) and ethanol (80 ml) was stirred at reflux for 2 hours. The mixture was cooled and filtered. The solid so obtained was washed with ethanol to give 8-(2,2-dimethyl-4,6-dioxo-1,3-dioxan-5-ylideneamino)-3-ethoxycarbonylquinoline in 80% yield, mp 228-231° C.

351. The solid was added in portions over 5 minutes to stirred diphenyl ether at 260° C. and stirring was continued for 30 minutes. The mixture was cooled to ambient temperature and diluted with hexane (200 ml). The mixture was filtered to give 8-ethoxycarbonyl-4-oxo-3,4-dihydro-1,10-phenanthroline as a solid in 73% yield, mp 250-252° C.

352. A mixture of 8-ethoxycarbonyl-4-oxo-3,4-dihydro-1,10-phenanthroline (0.8 g), ammonium nitrate (0.26 g) and trifluoroacetic acid (10 ml) was stirred at reflux for 6 hours. Further portions (0.26 g) of ammonium nitrate were added after 2 hours and 4 hours at reflux. The mixture was cooled to ambient temperature and stirred whilst water (50 ml) was added. The mixture was filtered and the solid so obtained was stirred with a 1:1 mixture of ethanol:chloroform. The mixture was filtered to give the required starting material as a solid in 60% yield.

Example V

353. A mixture of 8-carboxy-3-nitro-4-oxo-3,4-dihydro-1,10-phenanthroline (228 mg), thionyl chloride (5 ml) and DMF (0.1 ml) was stirred at reflux for 3 hours. The mixture was cooled to ambient temperature and evaporated to dryness. The residue was dissolved in dichloromethane (10 ml) and the solution stirred whilst a solution of N-benzylpiperazine (158 mg) and triethylamine (1 ml) in dichloromethane was added over 5 minutes. The mixture was stirred for 1 hour, washed with water, dried and evaporated to dryness. A solution of the residue in DMSO (3 ml) and water (0.5 ml) was heated at 90° C. for 18 hours. After cooling to ambient temperature, the solution was treated with water (20 ml) and ethyl acetate (5 ml) and the mixture filtered. The residue was recrystallised from a mixture of methanol and chloroform to give 8-(4-benzylpiperazin-1-ylcarbonyl)-3-nitro-4-oxo-3,4-dihydro-1,10-phenanthroline as a solid in 42% yield, mp 213-216° C.

354. NMR Spectrum (D6-DMSO): 2.54(m,4H); 3.55-3.7(m,6H); 7.2-7.4(m,5H) 8.0(d,1H); 8.35(d,1H); 8.58(d,1H); 8.97(s,1H); 9.08(d,1H).

Example VI

355. 8-[2-Methoxycarbonyl-2-(2,2,2-trifluoroethylsulfonyl)-ethenylamino]quinoline (4 g) was added to diphenyl ether (100 ml) with stirring at 260° C., and stirring was continued for 2 hours. The mixture was allowed to cool to ambient temperature and hexane (100 ml) was added. The mixture was filtered, and the residue purified by flash chromatography on silica using increasingly polar mixtures of methanol and chloroform as eluant. The product so obtained was recrystallised from acetic acid to give 3-(2,2,2-trifluoroethyl-sulfonyl)-4-oxo-3,4-dihydro-1,10-phenanthroline, mp 272-274° C.

356. NMR Spectrum (D6-DMSO): 4.87(q,2H); 8.0(dd,1H); 8.03(d,1H); 8.25(d, 1H); 8.52(d, 1H); 8.64(m, 1H); 9.15(dd, 1H).

357. The 8-[2-methoxycarbonyl-2-(2,2,2-trifluoroethylsulfonyl)ethenylamino]quinoline used as starting material was obtained as follows:

358. 3-Chloroperbenzoic acid (22.2 g, 60%) was added in portions to a stirred solution of methyl-2-(2,2,2-trifluoroethylthio)acetate (J. Med. Pharm. Chem., 5:491 (1962))(6 g) in dichloromethane (120 ml). The mixture was stirred at ambient temperature for 24 hours and then filtered. The filtrate was washed successively with aqueous sodium hydrogen sulphite, aqueous sodium carbonate and brine, dried and evaporated to dryness. There was thus obtained methyl 2-(2,2,2-trifluoroethylsulfonyl)acetate in 84% yield as a solid, mp 59-60° C.

359. A mixture of 8-aminoquinoline (1.87 g), triethyl orthoformate (2.4 ml) and methyl 2-(2,2,2-trifluoroethylsulfonyl)acetate (2.86 g) was stirred at reflux for 30 minutes. The mixture was cooled to ambient temperature and diethyl ether (20 ml) added. The mixture was filtered to give the required starting material in 86% yield, mp 221-223° C.

Example VII

360. A mixture of 8-[N-(4-fluorobenzyl)-N-methylcarbamoyl]-4-oxo-3,4-dihydro-1,10-phenanthroline (0.3 g), glacial acetic acid (5 ml) and concentrated nitric acid (0.15 ml) was heated at 90° C. for 18 hours. The mixture was cooled to ambient temperature and water (20 ml) and ethyl acetate (10 ml) were added. The mixture was filtered, and the solid so obtained recrystallised from a mixture of DMF and ethyl acetate. There was thus obtained 8-[N-(4-fluorobenzyl)-N-methylcarbamoyl]-3-nitro-4-oxo-3,4-dihydro-1,10-phenanthroline in 27% yield, mp 294-296° C.

361. NMR Spectrum (D6-DMSO): 3.12(s,3H); 4.7(s,2H); 7.15(m,2H); 7.4(m,2H) 7.98 (d, 1H); 8.36 (d, 1H); 8.62 (d, 1H); 8.98 (s, 1H); 9.12 (d, 1H).

362. The 8-[N-(4-fluorobenzyl)-N-methylcarbamoyl]-4-oxo-3,4-dihydro-1,10-phenanthroline used as starting material was obtained as follows:

363. Using a procedure analogous to that described in Example 2, in the section relating to the prepartion of starting materials, 3-carboxy-8-nitro-4-oxo-3,4-dihydroquinoline was reacted with N-(4-fluorobenzyl)-N-methylamine to give 3-[N-(4-fluorobenzyl)-N-methylcarbamoyl]-4-chloro-8-nitroquinoline in 89% yield, mp 135-137° C.

364. Using a procedure analogous to that described in Example 2, in the section relating to the prepartion of starting materials, 3-[N-(4-fluorobenzyl)-N-methylcarbamoyl]-4-chloro-8-nitroquinoline was hydrogenated to give 3-[N-(4-fluorobenzyl)-N-methylcarbamoyl]-8-aminoquinoline in 99% yield.

365. Using a procedure analogous to that described in Example 2, in the section relating to the preparation of starting materials, 3-[N-(4-fluorobenzyl)-N-methylcarbamoyl]-8-aminoquinoline was reacted with diethyl ethoxymethylenemalonate to give 3-ethoxycarbonyl-8-[N-(4-fluorobenzyl)-N-methylcarbamoyl]-4-oxo-3,4-dihydro-1,10-phenanthroline in 64% yield, mp 206-207° C.

366. Using a procedure analogous to that described in Example 2, in the section relating to the prepartion of starting materials, 3-ethoxycarbonyl-8- [N- (4-fluorobenzyl)-N-methylcarbamoyl]-4-oxo-3,4-dihydro-1,10-phenanthroline was hydrolysed. The product so obtained was recrystallised from acetic acid to give 3-carboxy-8-[N-(4-fluoro-benzyl)-N-methylcarbamoyl]-4-oxo-3,4-dihydro-1,10-phenanthroline, mp 245-246° C.

367. A solution of 3-carboxy-8-[N-(4-fluorobenzyl)-N-methylcarbamoyl]-4-oxo-3,4-dihydro-l,10-phenanthroline (0.5 g) in diphenyl ether (3 ml) was stirred at reflux for 6 hours. The mixture was cooled and filtered. The solid so obtained was washed with hexane and purified by flash chromatography on silica using increasingly polar mixtures of methanol and ethyl acetate as eluant. There was thus obtained the required starting material.

Example VIII

368. Using a procedure analogous to that described in Example 2,3-ethoxycarbonyl-8-N,N-diethylthiocarbamoyl-4-oxo-3,4-dihydro-1,10-phenanthroline was hydrolysed. The product so obtained was recrystallised from a mixture of methanol and chloroform to give 3-carboxy-8-N,N-diethylthiocarbamoyl-4-oxo-3,4-dihydro-1,10-phenanthroline.

369. NMR Spectrum (D6-DMSO at 100° C.): [mixture of rotamers] 1.1-1.5(m,6H); 3.4-4.3(m,4H); 8.04(d,1H); 8.35(d,1H); 8.42(d,1H); 8.82(s,1H); 9.0(d,1H).

370. The 3-ethoxycarbonyl-8-N,N-diethylthiocarbamoyl-4-oxo-3,4-dihydro-1,10-phenanthroline used as starting material was obtained as follows:

371. Using a procedure analogous to that described in Example 2, in the section relating to the preparation of starting materials, 3-carboxy-8-nitro-4-oxo-3,4-dihydroquinoline was reacted in turn with thionyl chloride and diethylamine, and was hydrogenated to give 8-amino-3-N,N-diethylcarbamoylquinoline in 71% yield.

372. A mixture of 8-amino-3-N,N-diethylcarbamoylquinoline (1.22 g), toluene (10 ml) and Lawesson's Reagent (1.22 g) was stirred at reflux for 2 hours. The mixture was evaporated to dryness and the residue purified by flash chromatography on silica using increasingly polar mixtures of methanol and chloroform. There was thus obtained 8-amino-3-N,N-diethylthiocarbamoylquinoline in 100% yield.

373. Using a procedure analogous to that described in Example 2, in the section relating to the preparation of starting materials, 8-amino-3-N,N-diethylthiocarbamoylquinoline was reacted with diethyl ethoxymethylenemalonate, and then refluxed with diphenyl ether to give the required starting material in 47% yield.

Example IX

374. Trifluoroacetic anhydride (0.5 ml) was added dropwise to a stirred, ice-cooled mixture of 8-(N-benzyl-N-methylcarbamoyl)-3-carbamoyl-4-chloro-5-fluoro-1,10-phenanthroline (0.3 g) in pyridine (3 ml). The mixture was stirred at ambient temperature for 1 hour. The mixture was acidified with 3M hydrochloric acid and stirred at ambient temperature for 18 hours. The mixture was filtered and the solid so obtained recrystallised from a mixture of methanol and ethyl acetate to give 8-(N-benzyl-N-methylcarbamoyl)-3-cyano-5-fluoro-4-oxo-3,4-dihydro-1,10-phenanthroline in 24% yield, mp 267-269° C.

375. NMR Spectrum (D6-DMSO at 100° C.): 3.05(s,3H); 4.7(s,2H); 7.3-7.5(m,5H) 7.65(d,1H); 8.5(s,1H); 8.55(d,1H); 9.05(d,1H).

376. The 8-(N-benzyl-N-methylcarbamoyl)-3-carbamoyl-4-chloro-5-fluoro-1,10-phenanthroline used as starting material was obtained as follows:

377. Using an analogous procedure to that described in Example 2, in the section relating to the preparation of starting materials, 4-fluoro-2-nitroaniline and diethyl ethoxymethylenemalonate were reacted, and then refluxed in diphenyl ether to give 3-ethoxycarbonyl-6-fluoro-8-nitro-4-oxo-3,4-dihydroquinoline in 45% yield, mp 278-280° C.

378. Using an analogous procedure to that described in Example 2, in the section relating to the preparation of starting materials, 3-ethoxycarbonyl-6-fluoro-8-nitro-4-oxo-3,4-dihydroquinoline was hydrolysed to give 3-carboxy-6-fluoro-8-nitro-4-oxo-3,4-dihydroquinoline in 84% yield, mp 254-256° C.

379. Using an analogous procedure to that described in Example 2, in the section relating to the preparation of starting materials, 3-carboxy-6-fluoro-8-nitro-4-oxo-3,4-dihydroquinoline was reacted with thionyl chloride and then N-benzylmethylamine to give 3-[N-benzyl-N-methylcarbamoyl]-4-chloro-6-fluoro-8-nitroquinoline in 63% yield.

380. Using an analogous procedure to that described in Example 2, in the section relating to the preparation of starting materials, 3-[N-benzyl-N-methylcarbamoyl]-4-chloro-6-fluoro-8-nitroquinoline was hydrogenated to give 8-amino-3[N-benzyl-N-methylcarbamoyl]-6-fluoro-quinoline in 63% yield.

381. Using an analogous procedure to that described in Example 2, in the section relating to the preparation of starting materials, 8-amino-3-[N-benzyl-N-methylcarbamoyl]-6-fluoroquinoline was reacted with diethyl ethoxymethylenemalonate, and then refluxed in diphenyl ether. The product so obtained was recrystallised from a mixture of ethyl acetate and hexane to give 3-ethoxycarbonyl-8-(N-benzyl-N-methylcarbamoyl)-5-fluoro-4-oxo-3,4-dihydro-l,10-phenanthroline in 70% yield, mp 201-203° C.

382. Using an analogous procedure to that described in Example 2,3-ethoxycarbonyl-8-(N-benzyl-N-methylcarbamoyl)-5-fluoro-4-oxo-3,4-dihydro-1,10-phenanthroline was hydrolysed. The product so obtained was recrystallised from acetic acid to give 3-carboxy-8-(N-benzyl-N-methylcarbamoyl)-5-fluoro-4-oxo-3,4-dihydro-1,10-phenanthroline in 81% yield, mp 168-171° C.

383. A mixture of 3-carboxy-8-(N-benzyl-N-methylcarbamoyl)-5-fluoro-4-oxo-3,4-dihydro-l,10-phenanthroline (0.7 g) and thionyl chloride was stirred at reflux for 30 minutes, and then evaporated to dryness. A solution of concentrated ammonia (2 ml) and triethylamine (5 ml) in acetonitrile (25 ml) were added to the residue, and the mixture stirred at ambient temperature for one hour. The mixture was evaporated to dryness, and the residue stirred with water (10 ml) and ethyl acetate (10 ml). The mixture was filtered and the product so obtained recrystallised from a mixture of methanol and ethyl acetate. There was thus obtained the required starting material in 69% yield, mp 180-183° C.

Example X

384. A mixture of 8-amino-4-chloro-3-ethoxycarbonylquinoline (0.3 g) and ethyl 2-ethoxymethyleneacetoacetate (Annalen, 1897, 297, 16, 0.25 g) was heated at 90° C. for 2.5 hours. The mixture was cooled to ambient temperature and the resulting solid added to diphenyl ether at reflux. The mixture was refluxed for 45 minutes, and cooled to 60° C. The mixture was diluted with carbon tetrachloride (50 ml) and cooled to ambient temperature with stirring. The mixture was filtered and the solid so obtained purified by flash chromatography on silica using increasingly polar mixtures of methanol and chloroform. The product so obtained was recrystallised from methanol to give 3-acetyl-7-chloro-8-ethoxycarbonyl-4-oxo-3,4-dihydro-1,10-phenanthroline in 29% yield, mp 288-290° C.

385. NMR Spectrum (D6-DMSO): 1.4(t,3H ); 2.66(s,3H); 4.5(q,2H ); 8.2(d,1H); 8.45(d,1H);

386. 8.5(d,1H); 9.27(s,1H).

387. The 8-amino-4-chloro-3-ethoxycarbonylquinoline used as starting material was obtained as follows:

388. A mixture of 4-chloro-3-ethoxycarbonyl-8-nitroquinoline (1.4 g), ethanol (10 ml), triethylamine (0.7 ml) and 10% palladium on carbon catalyst (0.2 g) was stirred under an atmosphere of hydrogen for 2.5 hours. The mixture was filtered and the filtrate was evaporated to dryness. The residue was purified by MPLC on silica using chloroform as eluant to give the required starting material in 24% yield, mp 110-1 12° C.

Example XI

389. Using an analogous procedure to that described in Example 2, 3-ethoxycarbonyl-5-fluoro-8-(N-2,2,3,3,4,4,4-heptafluorobutyl-carbamoyl)-4-oxo-3,4-dihydro-1,10-phenanthroline was hydrolysed to give 3-carboxy-5-fluoro-8-(N-2,2,3,3,4,4,4-heptafluorobutylcarbamoyl)-4-oxo-3,4-dihydro-1,10-phenanthroline in 46% yield.

390. NMR Spectrum (D6-DMSO): 4.2-4.45(2H,m); 7.9(1H,d); 8.76(1H,s) 9.0(1H,d); 9.42(1H,d);

391. 9.65(1H,t).

392. The 3-ethoxycarbonyl-5-fluoro-8-(N-2,2,3,3,4,4,4-heptafluorobutylcarbamoyl)-4-oxo-3,4-dihydro-1,10-phenanthroline used as starting material was obtained as follows:

393. Using an analogous procedure to that described in Example 2, in the section relating to the preparation of starting materials, 3-carboxy-6-fluoro-8-nitro-4-oxo-3,4-dihydroquinoline was reacted with thionyl chloride and then 2,2,3,3,4,4,4-heptafluorobutylamine to give 3-[N-2,2,3,3,4,4,4-heptafluorobutylcarbamoyl]-4-chloro-6-fluoro-8-nitroquinoline in 33% yield, mp 159-160° C.

394. Using an analogous procedure to that described in Example 2, in the section relating to the preparation of starting materials, 3-[N-2,2,3,3,4,4,4-heptafluorobutylcarbamoyl]-4-chloro-6-fluoro-8-nitroquinoline was hydrogenated to give 8-amino-6-fluoro-3-[N-2,2,3,3,4,4,4-heptafluorobutylcarbamoyl]quinoline in 73% yield, mp 202-204° C.

395. Using an analogous procedure to that described in Example 2, in the section relating to the preparation of starting materials, 8-amino-6-fluoro-3-[N-2,2,3,3,4,4,4-heptafluorobutylcarbamoyl]quinoline was reacted with diethyl ethoxymethylenemalonate, and then refluxed in diphenyl ether. There was thus obtained the required starting material in 87% yield, mp 288-290° C.

Example XII

396. Using an analogous procedure to that described in Example 2, 3-ethoxycarbonyl-8-(N-4-ethoxyphenylcarbamoyl)-4-oxo-3,4-dihydro-1,10-phenanthroline was hydrolysed. The product so obtained was recrystallised from DMF to give 3-carboxy-8-(N-4-ethoxyphenylcarbamoyl)-4-oxo-3,4-dihydro-1,10-phenanthroline in 41% yield.

397. NMR Spectrum (D6-DMSO+TFA): 1.27(3H,t); 4.0(2H,m); 6.85(2H,m); 7.65(2H,m); 7.98(1H,d); 8.28(1H,d); 8.75(1H,s); 9.0(1H,d); 9.45(1H,d).

398. The 3-ethoxycarbonyl-8-(N-4-ethoxyphenylcarbamoyl)-4-oxo-3,4-dihydro-1,10-phenanthroline used as starting material was obtained as follows:

399. Using an analogous procedure to that described in Example 2, in the section relating to the preparation of starting materials, 3-carboxy-8-nitro-4-oxo-3,4-dihydroquinoline was reacted with thionyl chloride and then 4-ethoxyaniline to give 3-[N-4-ethoxyphenylcarbamoyl]-4-chloro-8-nitroquinoline in 43% yield, mp 232-233° C.

400. Using an analogous procedure to that described in Example 2, in the section relating to the preparation of starting materials, 3-[N-4-ethoxyphenylcarbamoyl]-4-chloro-8-nitroquinoline was hydrogenated to give 8-amino-3-[N-4-ethoxyphenylcarbamoyl]quinoline in 74% yield, mp 187-189° C.

401. Using an analogous procedure to that described in Example 2, in the section relating to the preparation of starting materials, 8-amino-3-[N-4-ethoxyphenylcarbamoyl]quinoline was reacted with diethyl ethoxymethylenemalonate, and then refluxed in diphenyl ether. There was thus obtained the required starting material in 70% yield.

Example XIII

402. Using an analogous procedure to that described in Example 2, 3-ethoxycarbonyl-8-carbamoyl-4-oxo-3,4-dihydro-1,10-phenanthroline was hydrolysed. The product so obtained was recrystallised from DMF to give 3-carboxy-8-carbamoyl-4-oxo-3,4-dihydro-1,10-phenanthroline in 96% yield.

403. NMR Spectrum (D6-DMSO): 7.9(broad s,1H); 8.1(d,1H); 8.22(d,1H); 8.5(broad s,1H); 8.75 (S, 1H); 9.05(d,1H); 9.5(d,1H).

404. The 3-ethoxycarbonyl-8-carbamoyl-4-oxo-3,4-dihydro-1,10-phenanthroline used as starting material was obtained as follows:

405. Using an analogous procedure to that described in Example 2, in the section relating to the preparation of starting materials, 3-carboxy-8-nitro-4-oxo-3,4-dihydroquinoline was reacted with thionyl chloride and then concentrated aqueous ammonia. The product so obtained was recrystallised from ethanol to give 3-carbamoyl-4-chloro-8-nitroquinoline in 79% yield, mp 277-279° C.

406. Using an analogous procedure to that described in Example 2, in the section relating to the preparation of starting materials, 3-carbamoyl-4-chloro-8-nitroquinoline was hydrogenated to give 8-amino-3-carbamoylquinoline in 54% yield, mp 164-165° C.

407. Using an analogous procedure to that described in Example 2, in the section relating to the preparation of starting materials, 8-amino-3-carbamoylquinoline was reacted with diethyl ethoxymethylenemalonate, and then refluxed in diphenyl ether. There was thus obtained the required starting material in 64% yield.

Example XIV

408. Using an analogous procedure to that described in Example 2, 3-ethoxycarbonyl-4-oxo-8-(1,2,3,4-tetrahydroisoquinolin-2-ylcarbonyl)-3,4-dihydro-1,10-phenanthroline was hydrolysed. The product so obtained was recrystallised from a mixture of methanol and chloroform to give 3-carboxy-4-oxo-8-(1,2,3,4-tetrahydroisoquinolin-2-ylcarbonyl)-3,4-dihydro-1,10-phenanthroline in 72% yield, mp 171-182° C.

409. NMR Spectrum (D6-DMSO at 100° C.) 2.96(t,2H); 3.82(t,2H); 4.8(s,2H) 7.7(m,4H); 8.1(d,1H); 8.4(d,1H): 8.72(d,1H); 8.85(s,1H); 9.18(d,1H).

410. The 3-ethoxycarbonyl-4-oxo-8-(1,2,3,4-tetrahydroisoquinolin-2-ylcarbonyl)-3,4-dihydro-1,10-phenanthroline used as starting material was obtained as follows:

411. Using an analogous procedure to that described in Example 2, in the section relating to the preparation of starting materials, 3-carboxy-8-nitro-4-oxo-3,4-dihydroquinoline was reacted with thionyl chloride and then 1,2,3,4-tetrahydroisoquinoline to give 3-(1,2,3,4-tetrahydroisoquinolin-2-ylcarbonyl)-4-chloro-8-nitro-quinoline in 71% yield.

412. Using an analogous procedure to that described in Example 2, in the section relating to the preparation of starting materials, 3-(1,2,3,4-tetrahydroisoquinolin-2-ylcarbonyl)-4-chloro-8-nitro-quinoline was hydrogenated to give 8-amino-3-(1,2,3,4-tetrahydroisoquinolin-2-ylcarbonyl)quinoline in 100% yield.

413. Using an analogous procedure to that described in Example 2, in the section relating to the preparation of starting materials, 8-amino-3-(1,2,3,4-tetrahydroisoquinolin-2-ylcarbonyl)quinoline was reacted with diethyl ethoxymethylenemalonate, and then refluxed in diphenyl ether. There was thus obtained the required starting material in 50% yield, mp 238-240° C.

Example XV

414. A mixture of 8-amino-3-(N-benzyl-N-methylcarbamoyl)-4-dimethylaminoquinoline (1.28 g), diethyl ethoxymethylenemalonate (1 g) and ethanol (5 ml) was heated at reflux for 2 hours. The mixture was evaporated to dryness and a solution of the residue in diphenyl ether (70 ml) was stirred at reflux for 1 hour. The mixture was cooled to ambient temperature and stirred whilst a 1:2 mixture (200 ml) of diethyl ether:hexane was added. The mixture was filtered and the solid so obtained recrystallised from ethyl acetate. There was thus obtained 8-(N-benzyl-N-methylcarbamoyl)-7-dimethylamino-3-ethoxy-carbonyl-4-oxo-3,4-dihydro-1,10-phenanthroline in 80% yield, mp 169-170° C.

415. NMR Spectrum (D6-DMSO): 1.3(m,3H); 2.85-3.35(m,9H); 4.25(m,2H); 4.35-5.3(m,2H); 7.2-7.5(m,5H); 8.0(d,1H); 8.15(m,1H); 8.5(m,1H); 8.62(s,1H).

416. The 8-amino-3-(N-benzyl-N-methylcarbamoyl)-4-dimethylamino-quinoline used as starting material was obtained as follows:

417. Using an analogous procedure to that described in Example 2, in the section relating to the preparation of starting materials, 3-carboxy-8-nitro-4-oxo-3,4-dihydroquinoline was reacted with thionyl chloride and then N-benzylmethylamine. The product so obtained was recrystallised from ethanol to give 3-(N-benzyl-N-methylcarbamoyl)-4-chloro-8-nitroquinoline in 82% yield, mp 120-121° C.

418. A mixture of 3-(N-benzyl-N-methylcarbamoyl)-4-chloro-8-nitroquinoline (1.42 g), ethanol (20 ml) and a 33% solution of dimethylamine in ethanol (5 ml) was heated at 90° C. for 6 minutes. The mixture was evaporated to dryness and the residue was partitioned between water and ethyl acetate. The organic layer was dried and evaporated to dryness. The residue was dissolved in ethanol and 10% palladium on carbon catalyst (0.3 g) and ammonium formate (1 g) were added to the solution. The mixture was stirred at reflux for 2 hours, and the mixture filtered. The filtrate was evaporated to dryness and the residue was partitioned between water and ethyl acetate. The organic layer was dried and evaporated to dryness to give the required starting material in 96% yield, which was used without further purification.

Example XVI Biological Data

419. To assess the enzymatic activity of compounds of the present invention, the following assays ((a)-(d)) were used:

420. (a) An in vitro enzyme assay system, which assesses the inhibitory properties of a test compound in a cell free system using a highly purified preparation of prolyl 4-hydroxylase. The enzyme preparation was obtained using the method described by N. Kedersha and R. Berg (Collagen Related Research, 1:345 (1981)) and the activity of a test compound was measured using the method described by C. J. Cunliffe, T. J. Franklin and R. Gaskell (Biochem. J., 240:617 (1986)).

421. (b) An in vitro assay system involving incubating embryonic chick tendon cells in the presence of a test compound and measuring the inhibition of hydroxylation at the 4-position of prolyl residues within the available collagen. The embryonic chick tendon cells were prepared from the leg tendons of 17-day chick embryos using the method of P. Dehm and D. Prockop (Biochem. Biophys Acta, 240:358 (1971)). The cells were incubated in the presence of [¹⁴C]- and [³H]-labelled L-proline and the extent of hydroxylation at the 4-trans-position of the prolyl residues within the collagen was determined using the procedure described by T. J. Franklin and M. Hitchen (Biochem. J, 261:127-130 (1989)).

422. (c) An in vitro assay involving incubating cultures of 3T6 cells with a test compound and [¹⁴C]- and [³H]-labelled L-proline, and measuring the inhibition of hydroxylation at the 4-trans-position of prolyl residues within the available collagen using the procedure described by T. J. Franklin and M. Hitchen (Biochem. J., 261:127-130 (1989)).

423. (d) An in vivo assay involving the measurement of the inhibition by a test compound of hydroxylation at the 4-trans-position of prolyl residues within collagen within the uteri of immature (20-21 day) female rats. The test compounds were administered either orally or intraperitoneally to the rats in which uterine collagen synthesis had been stimulated by the subcutaneous administration of a solution of oestradiol benzoate (0.5 μg on each of two successive days) in arachis 14 oil. The rats were dosed with 5 μCuries of [¹⁴C]-L-proline and the uteri were taken 2 hours after the dosing of the radiolabelled proline and sonicated. Collagen was extracted by treatment of the tissue with water at 120° C. for 1 hour in an autoclave and hydrolysed by treatment with 6N hydrochloric acid for 18 hours at reflux temperature. The proline and 4-hydroxyproline residues were separated by column chromatography on a reversed-phase Spherisorb S5ODS1 column using as eluent a 89.9:10:0.1 v/v mixture of water:isopropanol:trifluoroacetic acid to which 0.3% w/v of sodium dodecylsulphate had been added. The ratio of radioactivity found in each of the proline and 4-hydroxyproline fractions was determined by liquid scintillation counting to allow the measurement of the inhibition of hydroxylation by a test compound.

424. The compound described in Example 2 has an IC₅₀ of 0.4 μM in test (a), an IC₅₀ of 1.2 μM in test (b), an IC₅₀ of 5.4 μM in test (c) and an inhibition of 46% at 50 mg/kg orally (compound dosed 2 hours before proline administration) in test (d).

425. (e) An in vivo wound chamber model involving the measurement of histological changes in granulation tissue. The test compounds were tested in rats according to the procedures generally described in Schilling et al., Surgery 46(4):702-710 (1959), Hunt et al., Am. J. Surgery 114:302-307 (1967), and Grotendorst et al., J. Clin Inves. 76:2323-2329 (1985). More specifically, stainless wire mesh cylinders were implanted subcutaneously under the back skin of rats (two chambers per animal). The compounds of the present invention were then dissolved in DMSO and injected into each chamber on a daily basis at various concentrations from either day 0-14 or day 7-14. On day 14, the chambers were collected and the granulation tissues contained within the chambers were collected for biochemical (collagen content) or histological evaluation.

426. (f) Various in vivo animal models to determine the applicability of utilizing the compounds of the present invention to treat fibrotic disorders specific to certain cell types or organs. For example, a cardiac fibrosis model in rats, as generally described in Kondo et al., Cardiovascu. Res. 21:248-254 (1987), and Benjamin et al., Circulation Res. 65(3):657-670 (1989), may be used to measure the effectiveness of the compounds of the present invention to inhibit cardiac fibrosis, as well as provide evidence of the regeneration of cardiac cells upon inhibition of fibrotic cell proliferation. Similarly, the left carotid artery injury model, as described generally in Clowes et al., Lab Invest. 49:327-33 (1983), Muller et al., Am. Col. Cardio. 19(2):418 (1992), and Jackson, Trends Cardiovasc. Med. 4:122-130 (1994), may be used to determine the effectiveness of the compounds of the instant invention in vascular remodeling. Other models, such as in vivo brain injury models (see e.g., Berry et al., Acto Neurochrurgica, Suppl., 32:31-53 (1993), Logan et al., Brain Research 587:216-255 (1992)), in vivo kidney fibrosis models (see e.g., DiDonato et al., Nephron 76(2):192-200 (1997), in vivo post-surgical abdominal adhesions model (see e.g., Cohen et al., J. Trauma 30(12):S149-154 (1990), Stein & Keiser, J. Surg. Res. 11:277 (1971),, Diegelman et al., J. Surg. Res. 19:239-43 (1975)) may be used to determine the effectiveness of the compounds of the instant invention to treat fibrotic disorders related to the brain, kidney, abdomen and dermis, as well as provide information related to the treatment of other major organs.

Example XVII

427. The following illustrate representative pharmaceutical dosage forms containing the compound of the formula (I) as defined hereinbefore in the section relating to pharmaceutical composition, or a pharmaceutically-acceptable salt thereof, or a metabolically labile ester derivative of substituents R¹ and R² when either, or both, is a carboxy group (hereafter compound X), for therapeutic or prophylactic use in humans: (a) Tablet I mg/tablet Compound X 100 Lactose Ph.Eur 182.75 Croscarmellose sodium 12.0 Maize starch paste (5% w/v paste) 2.25 Magnesium stearate 3.0 (b) Tablet II mg/tablet Compound X 50 Lactose Ph. Eur 223.75 Croscarmellose sodium 6.0 Maize starch 15.0 Polyvinylpyrrolidone (5% w/v paste) 2.25 Magnesium stearate 3.0 (c) Tablet III mg/tablet Compound X 1.0 Lactose Ph. Eur 93.25 Croscarmellose sodium 4.0 Maize starch paste (5% w/v paste) 0.75 Magnesium stearate 1.0 (d) Capsule mg/capsule Compound X 10 Lactose Ph. Eur 488.5 Magnesium stearate 1.5 (e) Injection I (50 mg/ml) Compound X 5.0% w/v 1 M Sodium hydroxide solution 15.0% v/v 0.1 M Hydrochloric acid (to adjust pH to 7.6) Polyethylene glycol 400 4.5% w/v Water for injection to 100% (f) Injection II (10 mg/ml) Compound X 1.0% w/v Sodium phosphate BP 3.6% w/v 0.1 M Sodium hydroxide solution 15.0% v/v Water for injection to 100% (g) Injection III (1 mg/ml,buffered to pH 6) Compound X 0.1% w/v Sodium phosphate BP 2.26% w/v Citric acid 0.38% w/v Polyethylene glycol 400 3.5% w/v Water for injection to 100% (h) Aerosol I mg/ml Compound X 10.0 Sorbitan trioleate 13.5 Trichlorofluoromethane 910.0 Dichlorodifluoromethane 490.0 (i) Aerosol II mg/ml Compound X 0.2 Sorbitan trioleate 0.27 Trichlorofluoromethane 70.0 Dichlorodifluoromethane 280.0 Dichlorotetrafluoroethane 1094.0 (j) Aerosol III mg/ml Compound X 2.5 Sorbitan trioleate 3.38 Trichlorofluoromethane 67.5 Dichlorodifluoromethane 1086.0 Dichlorotetrafluoroethane 191.6 (k) Aerosol IV mg/ml Compound X 2.5 Soya lecithin 2.7 Trichlorofluoromethane 67.5 Dichlorodifluoromethane 1086.0 Dichlorotetrafluoroethane 191.6 (l) Ointment /ml Compound X 40 mg Ethanol 300 μl Water 300 μl 1-Dodecylazacycloheptan-2-one 50 μl Propylene glycol to 1 ml

428. The above formulations may be obtained by conventional procedures well known in the pharmaceutical art. The tablets (a)-(c) may be enteric coated by conventional means, for example, to provide a coating of cellulose acetate phthalate. The aerosol formulations (h)-(k) may be used in conjunction with standard, metered dose aerosol dispensers, and the suspending agents sorbitan trioleate and soya lecithin may be replaced by an alternative suspending agent such as sorbitan monooleate, sorbitan sesquioleate, polysorbate 80, polyglycerol oleate or oleic acid.

Example XVIII

429. Following the in vivo wound chamber model described above, fourteen of the claimed compounds tested to determine the effectiveness of the claimed compounds in inhibiting collagen deposition in the wound chamber. The results of these tests are set forth at Table 1: TABLE 1 Mean Collagen content (% of Control) On Day 14 (after day 7-14 treatment) Compound 10 μg dosage 50 μg dosage 1 109.50 112.29 2 91.73 82.69 3 108.45 79.76 4 81.14 66.03 5 99.10 80.91 6 58.77 51.06 7 81.88 74.54 8 113.94 92.52 9 80.26 79.87 10 94.81 76.54 11 90.83 80.83 12 — 80.68 13 95.55 84.26 14 72.19 70.29

430. With respect to Compound 12, apoptotic cell numbers were also counted and data provided that treatment dose-dependently increased positive staining of apoptotic cells. With respect to this compound, it was also shown that, at higher doses, the compound prevented rebound of collagen accumulation after discontinuing administration of the compound.

431. Compounds 1 through 14 were prepared as described herein, or using analogous processess to those described within this specification and the Examples, or processes known to the skilled organic chemist.

Example XIX

432. The effectiveness of one of the compounds of the present invention to inhibit cardiac fibrosis and permit the regeneration of cardiac cells was tested in the cardiac fibrosis model generally described above. More specifically, Compound 12 was tested in a rat isoproterenol-induced myocardial fibrosis model (wherein isoproterenol was injected into rats at 1 mg/kg subcutaneously, for four consecutive days) to determine the effectiveness of the compound in inhibiting collagen deposition and improving ventricular function of the heart. The compound was administered after suspension in 1% CMC at 50 mg/kg by oral gavage twice daily from day 4 to day 11 and histological data was evaluated on day 11 by general histology (H&E and trichrome) and immunohistochemical staining for proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA). Cardiac function (left ventricular function) was measured by inserting a catheter into the left ventricle for measurement of relaxation and contraction pressure on week 6.

433. The histological results of this test are set forth in FIG. 1. As set forth in FIG. 1, blocking collagen deposition appears to block cardiac fibrosis. As further evidenced by FIG. 1, blocking collagen deposition also appears to permit the regeneration of healthy cardiac cells.

434. The effect of the compound on the left ventricular function, as measured at week 6, is set forth in TABLE 2. TABLE 2 Relaxation pressure Contraction pressure (Min-P, mm Hg) (dP/dt, mm Hg) Normal −0.5 ± 0.6   4702.9 ± 19.6   Fibrotic 11.4 ± 0.31 1765 ± 54.9 Compound 12 2.7 ± 0.8 5770 ± 95.1

435. As set forth in Table 2, oral treatment with the prolyl-4-hydroxylase inhibitors of the claimed invention significantly reduced scar formation in a cardiac model and encouraged the regeneration/hypertrophy of normal myocytes. Blocking scarring also prevented the deterioration of cardiac function.

Example XX

436. The effectiveness of Compound 12 in vascular remodeling, as determined in a rat restenosis model, was determined by using a left carotid artery injury rat model, as generally described above. More specifically, a total of 20 male SD rats (weighing between 250-300 g) were used. Under general anesthesia, the rat right common carotid artery and region of bifurcation were exposed through a midline incision. A 2F Fogarty balloon catheter (Baxter) was introduced through the external carotid artery and advanced into the thoracic aorta. The balloon was inflated with 0.3 ml or air to distend the common carotid artery. After three repetitions of this procedure, the endothelium was removed completely and some injury to smooth muscle layers throughout the common carotid artery resulted. After removal of the catheter, the external carotid artery was ligated and the wound closed. Compound 12 was then suspended in 1% CMC at 50 mg/kg and given to the rats by oral gavage twice daily from day 0-14. On day 14 after surgery, both the common carotid artery (left as control) were harvested and fixed in formalin. The results of this experiment are set forth in FIGS. 2 and 3. As evidenced by these figures, oral administration of Compound 12 appears to significantly reduce the development of neointimal formation in balloon injured carotid arteries, indicating that the compound will be a useful agent for vascular remodeling.

Example XXI

437. The effectiveness of the compounds of the instant invention to inhibit the formation of scar tissue in the brain following injury was tested using the brain injury model described above. Specifically, experiments were conducted using rat models wherein a lesion was made with an iridectomy knife to a depth of 3.5 mm along a 4.5 mm line parallel with the sagittal suture, 3 mm lateral to the mid-line and spanning the frontal-parietal suture. The animals were orally administered Compound 12 (as formulated above at Example 19) by oral gavage twice daily from day 0 to 14. All animals were sacrificed at day 14 after lesion.

438. From immunohistochemical staining, the perfusion fixed brains were post-fixed overnight at 4 degrees C. in 4% PFA in 0.1 borate buffer containing 10% sucrose. The brains were then rapidly frozen on powdered dry ice in Tissue Tek OCT compound and stored at −80 degrees C. Frozen sections (10 um) were mounted on poly-L-lysine coated slides, air dried and stored at −80 degrees C. for staining of type I collagen and GFAP. The results of such staining are set forth in FIG. 4. As set forth in FIG. 4, oral treatment with Compound 12 reduced collagen deposition in the scar and decreased the activation of actrocytes. The compound also appears to reduce physical barriers produced by the scarring and suggests improvement of functional recovery.

Example XXII

439. The effectiveness of the compounds of the instant invention to treat kidney fibrosis was determined using a kidney fibrosis rat model, as generally described above. More specifically, male SD rats weighing approximately 200-225 g each were injected intravenously with Adriamycin (Pharmacia, MI) on day 1 and again on day 15. The Adriamycin was dissolved in 0.5 ml sterile physiologic saline and infused slowly into the tail vein to ensure complete delivery and to avoid perivascular tissue destruction of the drug.

440. Three treatment groups were established following Adriamycin injections. The rats were randomly assigned to receive a twice daily gavage of Compound 12 or control (1% CMC). Five animals from each group were sacrificed on week 6, 8 or 12.

441. Histology examination provided that treatment with the compound, versus control, prevented the development of kidney fibrosis after Adriamycin injection and blocked the development of renal hypertension. Cardiac function was improved on week 12 and long term toxicity, as measured by mean body weight and bone density on week 12, was not material.

Example XXIII

442. The effectiveness of the compounds in dermal wound healing was tested using two wound healing models—rat punch model and rat incisional model—as described above. The results of these experiments, as conducted with Compound 12 and Compound 14, are set forth in FIGS. 5, 6 and 7. As set forth in these figures, administration of the compounds resulted in reduced tensil strength and increased healing time, as compared to control. 

We claim:
 1. A compound of formula (I):

wherein R¹ is hydrogen, carboxy or a metabolically labile ester derivative thereof, cyano, halo, nitro, amino, (1-4C)alkyl, (1-4C)alkylamino, di-(1-4C)alkylamino, (1-6C)alkoxycarbonyl, (2-4C)alkanoyl, hydroxy-(1-4C)alkyl, carbamoyl, N-(1-4C)alkylcarbamoyl, (1-4C)alkylthio, (1-4C)alkylsulfinyl, (1-4C)alkylsulfonyl; phenylthio, phenylsulfinyl or phenylsulfonyl said phenyl being optionally substituted with 1 to 4 substituents selected from halo, (1-4C)alkyoxy, (1-4C)alkyl, cyano, hydroxy and trifluoromethyl; fluoro-(1-4C)alkylthio, fluoro-(1-4C)alkylsulfinyl, fluoro-(1-4C)alkylsulfonyl, (1-4C)alkoxy-(2-4C)alkoxycarbonyl, N,N-di-[(1-4C)alkyl]carbamoyl-(1-4C)alkoxycarbonyl, (1-4C)alkylamino-(2-4C)alkoxycarbonyl, di-(1-4C)alkylamino-(2-4C)alkoxycarbonyl, (1-4C)alkoxy-(2-4C)alkoxy-(2-4C)alkoxycarbonyl, (2-4C)alkanoyloxy-(1-4C)alkyl, morpholino-(2-4C)alkoxycarbonyl or N-[amino-(2-8C)alkyl]carbamoyl; R² is hydrogen, hydroxy, amino, cyano, halo, (1-4C)alkyl, carboxy or a metabolically labile ester derivative thereof, (1-4C)alkylamino, di-(1-4C)alkylamino, (1-6C)alkoxycarbonyl, (2-4C)alkanoyl, (1-4C)alkoxy, carboxy-(1-4C)alkoxy, (1-4C)alkoxycarbonyl-(1-4C)alkoxy, carbamoyl, N-(1-8C)alkylcarbamoyl, N,N-di-(1-8C)alkylcarbamoyl, N-[amino-(2-8C)alkyl)carbamoyl, N-[(1-4C)alkylamino-(1-8C)alkyl]carbamoyl, N-[di-(1-4C)alkylamino-(1-8C)alkyl)carbamoyl, N-cyclohexylcarbamoyl, N-[cyclopentyl]carbamoyl, N-(1-4C)alkylcyclohexylcarbamoyl or N-(1-4C)alkylcyclopentylcarbamoyl; N-phenylcarbamoyl, N-(1-4C)alkyl-N-phenylcarbamoyl, N,N-diphenylcarbamoyl, N-[phenyl-(1-4C)alkyl]carbamoyl, N-(1-4C)alkyl-N-[phenyl-(1-4C)alkyl]carbamoyl, or N,N-di-[phenyl-(1-4C)alkyl]carbamoyl said phenyl or phenyl groups being optionally substituted with 1 to 4 substituents selected from halo, (1-4C)alkyoxy, (1-4C)alkyl, cyano, hydroxy and trifluoromethyl; N-[(2-4C)alkanoyl]carbamoyl, N-[(1-4C)alkoxycarbonyl]carbamoyl, N-[fluoro-(2-6C)alkyl]carbamoyl, N-[fluoro-(2-6C)alkyl]-N-(1-4C)alkylcarbamoyl or N,N-[di-fluoro-(2-6C)alkyl]carbamoyl; pyrrolidin-1-ylcarbonyl, piperidinocarbonyl, piperazin-1-ylcarbonyl or morpholinocarbonyl wherein the heterocyclic group is optionally substituted with 1 to 4 substituents selected from (1-4C)alkyl and benzyl; 1,2,3,4-tetrahydro-isoquinolin-2-ylcarbonyl, N,N-[di-(1-4C)alkyl]thiocarbamoyl, N-(2-4C)alkanoylamino or N-[(1-4)alkoxycarbonyl]amino; R³ and R⁴, which may be the same or different, are hydrogen, (1-4C)alkyl, (2-4C)alkoxy, halo, nitro, hydroxy, fluoro-(1-4C)alkyl or pyridinyl; or R⁴ is methoxy; or R³ is methoxy; and R⁵ is hydrogen, hydroxy, amino, (1-4C)alkylamino, di-(1-4C)alkylamino, halo, (1-4C)alkoxy-(2-4C)alkoxy or fluoro-(1-6C)alkoxy; pyrrolidin-1-yl, piperidino, piperazin-1-yl or morpholino wherein the heterocyclic group is optionally substituted with 1 to 4 substituents selected from (1-4C)alkyl and benzyl; or a pharmaceutically-acceptable salt thereof; provided that: R¹, R², R³ , R⁴ and R⁵ are not together H; where R¹ is carboxy and R³ and R⁴ are hydroxy; R² and R⁵ are not together H; where R¹ is carboxy, R² is H or OH, R³ is H and R⁵ is H; R⁴is not H, OH alkoxy, alkyl or halo; where R¹ is carboxy, R² is H or OH, R⁴ is H and R⁵ is H; R³ is not H, OH alkoxy, alkyl or halo; where R¹ is ethoxycarbonyl; R², R₃, R⁴ and R⁵ are not together H; where R¹ is ethoxycarbonyl and R⁴ is F; R², R³ and R⁵ are not together H where R¹ is carboxy and R³ is H or alkyl; R², R⁴ and R⁵ are not together H; where R³ is OH; R¹ , R², R⁴ and R⁵ are not together H; where R⁵ is OH, R³ is H or alkyl, and R⁴ is H; R¹ and R² are not together ethoxycarbonyl, carboxy, methoxycarbonyl or H; and where R⁵ is —N(CH₃)₂; R¹, R², R³ and R⁴ are not together H.
 2. A compound of claim 1 : 3-nitro-8-(N-ethyl-N-propylcarbamoyl)-4-oxo-3,4-dihydro-1,10-phenanthroline; 3-nitro-8-(4-benzylpiperazin-1-ylcarbonyl)-4-oxo-3,4-dihydro-1,10-phenanthroline; 3-trifluoromethylsulphonyl-4-oxo-3,4-dihydro-1,10-phenanthroline; 3-(2-{morpholino}ethoxycarbonyl)-4-oxo-3,4-dihydro-1,10-phenanthroline; or 3-ethoxycarbonyl-4-oxo-5-methoxy-3,4-dihydro-1,10-phenanthroline; or a pharmaceutically-acceptable salt thereof, or a metabolically labile ester derivative of those compounds bearing a carboxy group.
 3. A pharmaceutical composition comprising one or more compounds of formula (I):

wherein R¹ is hydrogen, carboxy or a metabolically labile ester derivative thereof, cyano, halo, nitro, amino, (1-4C)alkyl, (1-4C)alkylamino, di-(1-4C)alkylamino, (1-6C)alkoxycarbonyl, (2-4C)alkanoyl, hydroxy-(1-4C)alkyl, carbamoyl, N-(1-4C)alkylcarbamoyl, (1-4C)alkylthio, (1-4C)alkylsulfinyl, (1-4C)alkylsulfonyl; phenylthio, phenylsulfinyl or phenylsulfonyl said phenyl being optionally substituted with 1 to 4 substituents selected from halo, (1-4C)alkyoxy, (1-4C)alkyl, cyano, hydroxy and trifluoromethyl; fluoro-(1-4C)alkylthio, fluoro-(1-4C)alkylsulfinyl, fluoro-(1-4C)alkylsulfonyl, (1-4C)alkoxy-(2-4C)alkoxycarbonyl, N,N-di-[(1-4C)alkyl]carbamoyl-(1-4C)alkoxycarbonyl, (1-4C)alkylamino-(2-4C)alkoxycarbonyl, di-(1-4C)alkylamino-(2-4C)alkoxycarbonyl, (1-4C)alkoxy-(2-4C)alkoxy-(2-4C)alkoxycarbonyl, (2-4C)alkanoyloxy-(1-4C)alkyl, morpholino-(2-4C)alkoxycarbonyl or N-[amino-(2-8C)alkyl]carbamoyl; R² is hydrogen, hydroxy, amino, cyano, halo, (1-4C)alkyl, carboxy or a metabolically labile ester derivative thereof, (1-4C)alkylamino, di-(1-4C)alkylamino, (1-6C)alkoxycarbonyl, (2-4C)alkanoyl, (1-4C)alkoxy, carboxy-(1-4C)alkoxy, (1-4C)alkoxycarbonyl-(1-4C)alkoxy, carbamoyl, N-(1-8C)alkylcarbamoyl, N,N-di-(1-8C)alkylcarbamoyl, N-[amino-(2-8C)alkyl)carbamoyl, N-[(1-4C)alkylamino-(1-8C)alkyl]carbamoyl, N-[di-(1-4C)alkylamino-(1-8C)alkyl)carbamoyl, N-cyclohexylcarbamoyl, N-[cyclopentyl]carbamoyl, N-(1-4C)alkylcyclohexylcarbamoyl or N-(1-4C)alkylcyclopentylcarbamoyl; N-phenylcarbamoyl, N-(1-4C)alkyl-N-phenylcarbamoyl, N,N-diphenylcarbamoyl, N-[phenyl-(1-4C)alkyl]carbamoyl, N-(1-4C)alkyl-N-[phenyl-(1-4C)alkyl]carbamoyl or N,N-di-[phenyl-(1-4C)alkyl]carbamoyl said phenyl or phenyl groups being optionally substituted with 1 to 4 substituents selected from halo, (1-4C) alkyoxy, (1-4C)alkyl, cyano, hydroxy and trifluoromethyl; N-[(2-4C)alkanoyl]carbamoyl, N-[(1-4C)alkoxycarbonyl]carbamoyl, N-[fluoro-(2-6C)alkyl]carbamoyl, N-[fluoro-(2-6C)alkyl]-N-(1-4C)alkylcarbamoyl or N,N-[di-fluoro-(2-6C)alkyl]carbamoyl; pyrrolidin-1-ylcarbonyl, piperidinocarbonyl, piperazin-1-ylcarbonyl or morpholinocarbonyl wherein the heterocyclic group is optionally substituted with 1 to 4 substituents selected from (1-4C)alkyl and benzyl; 1,2,3,4-tetrahydro-isoquinolin-2-ylcarbonyl, N,N-[di-(1-4C)alkyl]thiocarbamoyl, N-(2-4C)alkanoylamino or N-[(1-4)alkoxycarbonyl]amino; R³ and R⁴, which may be the same or different, are hydrogen, (1-4C)alkyl, (2-4C)alkoxy, halo, nitro, hydroxy, fluoro-(1-4C)alkyl or pyridinyl; or R⁴ is methoxy; or R³ is methoxy; and R⁵ is hydrogen, hydroxy, amino, (1-4C)alkylamino, di-(1-4C)alkylamino, halo, (1-4C)alkoxy-(2-4C)alkoxy or fluoro-(1-6C)alkoxy; pyrrolidin-1-yl, piperidino, piperazin-1-yl or morpholino wherein the heterocyclic group is optionally substituted with 1 to 4 substituents selected from (1-4C)alkyl and benzyl; or a pharmaceutically-acceptable salt thereof; and a pharmaceutically-acceptable diluent or carrier.
 4. The composition of claim 3 , comprising a compound selected from: 3-carboxy-5-methoxy-4-oxo-3,4-dihydro-1,10-phenanthroline; 3-carboxy-5-methyl-4-oxo-3,4-dihydro-1,10-phenanthroline; 3-ethoxycarbonyl-4-oxo-3,4-dihydro-1,10-phenanthroline; 3-ethoxycarbonyl-6-fluoro-4-oxo-3,4-dihydro-1,10-phenanthroline; 3-cyano-4-oxo-3,4-dihydro-1,10-phenanthroline; 3-carboxy-8-(N-methyl-N-{2,4-difluorobenzyl}carbamoyl)-4-oxo-3,4-dihydro-1,10-phenanthroline; 3-carboxy-4-oxo-3,4-dihydro-1,10-phenanthroline; 3-carboxy-8-(N-benzyl-N-methylcarbamoyl)-5-methyl-4-oxo-3,4-dihydro-1,10-phenanthroline; 5-chloro-3-carboxy-4-oxo-3,4-dihydro-1,10-phenanthroline; 3-cyano-8-(N-benzyl-N-methylcarbamoyl)-4-oxo-3,4-dihydro 1,10-phenanthroline; 3-nitro-8-(N-ethyl-N-propylcarbamoyl)-4-oxo-3,4-dihydro 1,10-phenanthroline; 3-carboxy-8-hydroxy-4-oxo-3,4-dihydro-1,10-phenanthroline; 3-[2-(2-methoxyethoxy)ethoxycarbonyl]-4-oxo-3,4-dihydro-1,10-phenanthroline; 3-carboxy-6-chloro-4-oxo-3,4-dihydro-1,10-phenanthroline; 3-nitro-8-(4-benzylpiperazine-ylcarbonyl)-4-oxo-3,4-dihydro-1,10-phenanthroline; 3-(2-{morpholino}ethoxycarbonyl)-4-oxo-3,4-dihydro-1,10-phenanthroline; 3-ethoxycarbonyl-4-oxo-5-methoxy-3,4-dihydro-1,10-phenanthroline; or 3-trifluoromethylsulfonyl-4-oxo-3,4-dihydro-1,10-phenanthroline; or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt, or a metabolically labile ester derivative thereof.
 5. A method for producing an anti-fibroproliferative effect in a host in need of such treatment, comprising administering an effective amount of a composition of claim 3 .
 6. The method of claim 5 wherein said composition comprises: 3-carboxy-5-methoxy-4-oxo-3,4-dihydro-1,10-phenanthroline; 3-cyano-4-oxo-3,4-dihydro-1,10-phenanthroline; 3-carboxy-8-(N-methyl-N-{2,4-difluorobenzyl}carbamoyl)-4-oxo-3,4-dihydro-1,10-phenanthroline; 3-carboxy-4-oxo-3,4-dihydro-1,10-phenanthroline; 3-carboxy-8-(N-benzyl-N-methylcarbamoyl)-5-methyl-4-oxo-3,4-dihydro-1,10-phenanthroline; 5-chloro-3-carboxy-4-oxo-3,4-dihydro-1,10-phenanthroline; 3-cyano-8-(N-benzyl-N-methylcarbamoyl)-4-oxo-3,4-dihydro-1,10-phenanthroline; 3-nitro-8-(N-ethyl-N-propylcarbamoyl)-4-oxo-3,4-dihydro-1,10-phenanthroline; 3-carboxy-8-hydroxy-4-oxo-3,4-dihydro-1,10-phenanthroline; 3-[2-(2-methoxyethoxy)ethoxycarbonyl]-4-oxo-3,4-dihydro-1,10-phenanthroline; 3-carboxy-6-chloro-4-oxo-3,4-dihydro-1,10-phenanthroline; 3-nitro-8-(4-benzylpiperazine-ylcarbonyl)-4-oxo-3,4-dihydro-1,10-phenanthroline; 3-(2-{morpholino}ethoxycarbonyl)-4-oxo-3,4-dihydro-1,10-phenanthroline; 3-ethoxycarbonyl-4-oxo-5-methoxy-3,4-dihydro-1,10-phenanthroline; or 3-trifluoromethylsulfonyl-4-oxo-3,4-dihydro-1,10-phenanthroline; or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt, or a metabolically labile ester derivative thereof.
 7. A method of treating the symptoms of a fibroproliferative disease or disorder in a host in need of such treatment comprising administering an effective amount of a composition of claim 3 .
 8. The method of claim 7 wherein said composition comprises: 3-carboxy-5-methoxy-4-oxo-3,4-dihydro-1,10-phenanthroline; 3-carboxy-5-methyl-4-oxo-3,4-dihydro-1,10-phenanthroline; 3-ethoxycarbonyl-4-oxo-3,4-dihydro-1,10-phenanthroline; 3-ethoxycarbonyl-6-fluoro-4-oxo-3,4-dihydro-1,10-phenanthroline; 3-cyano-4-oxo-3,4-dihydro-1,10-phenanthroline; 3-carboxy-8-(N-methyl-N-{2,4-difluorobenzyl}carbamoyl)-4-oxo-3,4-dihydro-1,10-phenanthroline; 3-carboxy-4-oxo-3,4-dihydro-1,10-phenanthroline; 3-carboxy-8-(N-benzyl-N-methylcarbamoyl)-5-methyl-4-oxo-3,4-dihydro-1,10-phenanthroline; 5-chloro-3-carboxy-4-oxo-3,4-dihydro-1,10-phenanthroline; 3-cyano-8-(N-benzyl-N-methylcarbamoyl)-4-oxo-3,4-dihydro-1,10-phenanthroline; 3-nitro-8-(N-ethyl-N-propylcarbamoyl)-4-oxo-3,4-dihydro-1,10-phenanthroline; 3-carboxy-8-hydroxy-4-oxo-3,4-dihydro-1,10-phenanthroline; 3-[2-(2-methoxyethoxy)ethoxycarbonyl]-4-oxo-3,4-dihydro-1,10-phenanthroline; 3-carboxy-6-chloro-4-oxo-3,4-dihydro-1,10-phenanthroline; 3-nitro-8-(4-benzylpiperazine-ylcarbonyl)-4-oxo-3,4-dihydro-1,10-phenanthroline; 3-(2-{morpholino}ethoxycarbonyl)-4-oxo-3,4-dihydro-1,10-phenanthroline; 3-ethoxycarbonyl-4-oxo-5-methoxy-3,4-dihydro-1,10-phenanthroline; or 3-trifluoromethylsulfonyl-4-oxo-3,4-dihydro-1,10-phenanthroline; or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt, or a metabolically labile ester derivative thereof.
 9. The method of claim 7 wherein the disease is rheumatoid arthritis, chronic arthritis or osteoarthritis.
 10. The method of claim 7 wherein the disease is hepatic cirrhosis.
 11. The method of claim 7 wherein the disease is pulmonary fibrosis, renal fibrosis, cardiac fibrosis, arteriosclerosis or tumor associated fibrosis.
 12. A method of treating scar tissue formation following injury or surgery in a host in need of such treatment comprising administering an effective amount of a composition of claim 3 .
 13. The method of claim 12 wherein said composition comprises: 3-carboxy-5-methoxy-4-oxo-3,4-dihydro-1,10-phenanthroline; 3-carboxy-5-methyl-4-oxo-3,4-dihydro-1,10-phenanthroline; 3-ethoxycarbonyl-4-oxo-3,4-dihydro-1,10-phenanthroline; 3-ethoxycarbonyl-6-fluoro-4-oxo-3,4-dihydro-1,10-phenanthroline; 3-cyano-4-oxo-3,4-dihydro-1,10-phenanthroline; 3-carboxy-8-(N-methyl-N-{2,4-difluorobenzyl}carbamoyl)-4-oxo-3,4-dihydro-1,10-phenanthroline; 3-carboxy-4-oxo-3,4-dihydro-1,10-phenanthroline; 3-carboxy-8-(N-benzyl-N-methylcarbamoyl)-5-methyl-4-oxo-3,4-dihydro-1,10-phenanthroline; 5-chloro-3-carboxy-4-oxo-3,4-dihydro-1,10-phenanthroline; 3-cyano-8-(N-benzyl-N-methylcarbamoyl)-4-oxo-3,4-dihydro-1,10-phenanthroline; 3-nitro-8-(N-ethyl-N-propylcarbamoyl)-4-oxo-3,4-dihydro-1,10-phenanthroline; 3-carboxy-8-hydroxy-4-oxo-3,4-dihydro-1,10-phenanthroline; 3-[2-(2-methoxyethoxy)ethoxycarbonyl]-4-oxo-3,4-dihydro-1,10-phenanthroline; 3-carboxy-6-chloro-4-oxo-3,4-dihydro-1,10-phenanthroline; 3-nitro-8-(4-benzylpiperazine-ylcarbonyl)-4-oxo-3,4-dihydro-1,10-phenanthroline; 3-(2-{morpholino }ethoxycarbonyl)-4-oxo-3,4-dihydro-1,10-phenanthroline; 3-ethoxycarbonyl-4-oxo-5-methoxy-3,4-dihydro-1,10-phenanthroline; or 3-trifluoromethylsulfonyl-4-oxo-3,4-dihydro-1,10-phenanthroline; or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt, or a metabolically labile ester derivative thereof.
 14. The use of one or more phenanthroline derivatives of formula (I):

wherein R¹ is hydrogen, carboxy or a metabolically labile ester derivative thereof, cyano, halo, nitro, amino, (1-4C)alkyl, (1-4C)alkylamino, di-(1-4C)alkylamino, (1-6C)alkoxycarbonyl, (2-4C)alkanoyl, hydroxy-(1-4C)alkyl, carbamoyl, N-(1-4C)alkylcarbamoyl, (1-4C)alkylthio, (1-4C)alkylsulfinyl, (1-4C)alkylsulfonyl; phenylthio, phenylsulfinyl or phenylsulfonyl said phenyl being optionally substituted with 1 to 4 substituents selected from halo, (1-4C)alkyoxy, (1-4C)alkyl, cyano, hydroxy and trifluoromethyl; fluoro-(1-4C)alkylthio, fluoro-(1-4C)alkylsulfinyl, fluoro-(1-4C)alkylsulfonyl, (1-4C)alkoxy-(2-4C)alkoxycarbonyl, N,N-di-[(1-4C)alkyl]carbamoyl-(1-4C)alkoxycarbonyl, (1-4C)alkylamino-(2-4C)alkoxycarbonyl, di-(1-4C)alkylamino-(2-4C)alkoxycarbonyl, (1-4C)alkoxy-(2-4C)alkoxy-(2-4C)alkoxycarbonyl, (2-4C)alkanoyloxy-(1-4C)alkyl, morpholino-(2-4C)alkoxycarbonyl or N-[amino-(2-8C)alkyl]carbamoyl; R² is hydrogen, hydroxy, amino, cyano, halo, (1-4C)alkyl, carboxy or a metabolically labile ester derivative thereof, (1-4C)alkylamino, di-(1-4C)alkylamino, (1-6C)alkoxycarbonyl, (2-4C)alkanoyl, (1-4C)alkoxy, carboxy-(1-4C)alkoxy, (1-4C)alkoxycarbonyl-(1-4C)alkoxy, carbamoyl, N-(1-8C)alkylcarbamoyl, N,N-di-(1-8C)alkylcarbamoyl, N-[amino-(2-8C)alkyl)carbamoyl, N-[(1-4C)alkylamino-(1-8C)alkyl]carbamoyl, N-[di-(1-4C)alkylamino-(1-8C)alkyl)carbamoyl, N-cyclohexylcarbamoyl, N-[cyclopentyl]carbamoyl, N-(1-4C)alkylcyclohexylcarbamoyl or N-(1-4C)alkylcyclopentylcarbamoyl; N-phenylcarbamoyl, N-(1-4C)alkyl-N-phenylcarbamoyl, N,N-diphenylcarbamoyl, N-[phenyl-(1-4C)alkyl]carbamoyl, N-(1-4C)alkyl-N-[phenyl-(1-4C)alkyl]carbamoyl or N,N-di-[phenyl-(1-4C)alkyl]carbamoyl said phenyl or phenyl groups being optionally substituted with 1 to 4 substituents selected from halo, (1-4C)alkyoxy, (1-4C)alkyl, cyano, hydroxy and trifluoromethyl; N-[(2-4C)alkanoyl]carbamoyl, N-[(1-4C)alkoxycarbonyl]carbamoyl, N-[fluoro-(2-6C)alkyl]carbamoyl, N-[fluoro-(2-6C)alkyl]-N-(1-4C)alkylcarbamoyl or N,N-[di-fluoro-(2-6C)alkyl]carbamoyl; pyrrolidin-1-ylcarbonyl, piperidinocarbonyl, piperazin-1-ylcarbonyl or morpholinocarbonyl wherein the heterocyclic group is optionally substituted with 1 to 4 substituents selected from (1-4C)alkyl and benzyl; 1,2,3,4-tetrahydro-isoquinolin-2-ylcarbonyl, N,N-[di-(1-4C)alkyl]thiocarbamoyl, N-(2-4C)alkanoylamino or N-[(1-4)alkoxycarbonyl]amino; R³ and R⁴, which may be the same or different, are hydrogen, (1-4C)alkyl, (2-4C)alkoxy, halo, nitro, hydroxy, fluoro-(1-4C)alkyl or pyridinyl; or R⁴ is methoxy; or R³ is methoxy; and R⁵ is hydrogen, hydroxy, amino, (1-4C)alkylamino, di-(1-4C)alkylamino, halo, (1-4C)alkoxy-(2-4C)alkoxy or fluoro-(1-6C)alkoxy; pyrrolidin-1-yl, piperidino, piperazin-1-yl or morpholino wherein the heterocyclic group is optionally substituted with 1 to 4 substituents selected from (1-4C)alkyl and benzyl in the manufacture of a medicament for use in the production of an anti-fibroproliferative effect.
 15. The use of 3-carboxy-5-methoxy-4-oxo-3,4-dihydro-1,10-phenanthroline; 3-carboxy-5-methyl-4-oxo-3,4-dihydro-1,10-phenanthroline; 3-ethoxycarbonyl-4-oxo-3,4-dihydro-1,10-phenanthroline; 3-ethoxycarbonyl-6-fluoro-4-oxo-3,4-dihydro-1,10-phenanthroline; 3-cyano-4-oxo-3,4-dihydro-1,10-phenanthroline; 3-carboxy-8-(N-methyl-N-{2,4-difluorobenzyl}carbamoyl)-4-oxo-3,4-dihydro-1,10-phenanthroline; 3-carboxy-4-oxo-3,4-dihydro-1,10-phenanthroline; 3-carboxy-8-(N-benzyl-N-methylcarbamoyl)-5-methyl-4-oxo-3,4-dihydro-1,10-phenanthroline; 5-chloro-3-carboxy-4-oxo-3,4-dihydro-1,10-phenanthroline; 3-cyano-8-(N-benzyl-N-methylcarbamoyl)-4-oxo-3,4-dihydro-1,10-phenanthroline; 3-nitro-8-(N-ethyl-N-propylcarbamoyl)-4-oxo-3,4-dihydro-1,10-phenanthroline; 3-carboxy-8-hydroxy-4-oxo-3,4-dihydro-1,10-phenanthroline; 3-[2-(2-methoxyethoxy)ethoxycarbonyl]-4-oxo-3,4-dihydro-1,10-phenanthroline; 3-carboxy-6-chloro-4-oxo-3,4-dihydro-1,10-phenanthroline; 3-nitro-8-(4-benzylpiperazine-ylcarbonyl)-4-oxo-3,4-dihydro-1,10-phenanthroline; 3-(2-{morpholino}ethoxycarbonyl)-4-oxo-3,4-dihydro-1,10-phenanthroline; 3-ethoxycarbonyl-4-oxo-5-methoxy-3,4-dihydro-1,10-phenanthroline; or 3-trifluoromethylsulfonyl-4-oxo-3,4-dihydro-1,10-phenanthroline; or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt, or a metabolically labile ester derivative thereof, according to claim 14 .
 16. The use of 3-carboxy-4-oxo-3,4-dihydro-1,10-phenanthroline according to claim 14 .
 17. A pharmaceutical composition comprising 3-carboxy-4-oxo-3,4-dihydro-1,10-phenanthroline, or a pharmaceutically-acceptable salt, or a metabolically labile ester derivative thereof; and a pharmaceutically-acceptable diluent or carrier.
 18. A pharmaceutical composition comprising 3-carboxy-4-oxo-3,4-dihydro-1,10-phenanthroline and a pharmaceutically-acceptable diluent or carrier.
 19. A pharmaceutical composition comprising a pharmaceutically-acceptable salt of 3-carboxy-4-oxo-3,4-dihydro-1,10-phenanthroline and a pharmaceutically-acceptable diluent or carrier.
 20. A pharmaceutical composition comprising a metabolically labile ester derivative of 3-carboxy-4-oxo-3,4-dihydro-1,10-phenanthroline and a pharmaceutically-acceptable diluent or carrier.
 21. A method for producing an anti-fibroproliferative effect in a host in need of such treatment, comprising administering an effective amount of 3-carboxy-4-oxo-3,4-dihydro-1,10-phenanthroline, or a pharmaceutically-acceptable salt, or a metabolically labile ester derivative thereof; or an effective amount of a composition comprising 3-carboxy-4-oxo-3,4-dihydro-1,10-phenanthroline, or a pharmaceutically-acceptable salt, or a metabolically labile ester derivative thereof; and a pharmaceutically-acceptable diluent or carrier.
 22. A method for producing an anti-fibroproliferative effect in a host in need of such treatment, comprising administering an effective amount of 3-carboxy-4-oxo-3,4-dihydro-1,10-phenanthroline.
 23. A method for producing an anti-fibroproliferative effect in a host in need of such treatment, comprising administering an effective amount of a pharmaceutically-acceptable salt of 3-carboxy-4-oxo-3,4-dihydro-1,10-phenanthroline.
 24. A method for producing an anti-fibroproliferative effect in a host in need of such treatment, comprising administering an effective amount of a metabolically labile ester derivative of 3-carboxy-4-oxo-3,4-dihydro-1,10-phenanthroline. 